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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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A MEMOIR 



OF 



JOHN FINCH MAESH 



OF CROYDON, 



WHO DIED IN THE AUTUMN OF 1873. 



BY HIS DAUGHTER. 



CEH 







OBTAINABLE OF HANNAH MAESH, 32, PAEK LANE, CROYDON, 

OE, 

G-. & P. PITT, MITCHAM, SUEKEY. 



/ % 13 ) 






MANCHESTER : 

PRINTED BY WILLIAM IRWIN, 

35, FENNELL STREET. 



PREFACE 



Having been called upon at a very unexpected season, 
to watch beside the dying bed of my ever dearly beloved 
father, John Finch Maesh, and while yet hoping for 
and expecting his recovery, being struck with the im- 
pressiveness of his words, I felt impelled (unknown 
to him) to note them down. After his departure, I 
conceived the idea of printing a simple account of his 
illness and death, as the most effectual way of answering 
the enquiries of our friends, and easing my own mind 
of a responsibility. 

Circumstances, however, combining to enable me to 
remain a little while with my bereaved mother, she 
gave me permission to search among his papers, where 
I found very little left behind of an early date — but a 
considerable amount of memorandums of later years ; 
also some scattered copies of his letters to various 
friends, and a packet of his letters to Richard Allen, of 
Waterford, recently returned to my father at R. A.'s 
request, soon after his decease. 

This search commenced at the desire of the friends 
(appointed by our monthly meeting to prepare a testi- 
mony concerning him) that we would furnish them with 
some account of his early life, &c. 



IV. 

But here the query arose, whether some selection 
from these writings should be prepared in addition to 
the closing scene. And inwardly becoming sensible of 
a gentle and clear pointing that a little work of this kind 
was to devolve on me, I did not feel my way clear 
to return to the engagements of home until it was ready 
for the press. 

And although I regret to add to the great store of 
books already on our shelves, I believe I should fail in 
my duty to survivors if I were to neglect thus to revive 
his memory, — not for his sake — but for the sake of that 
testimony to Truth which was given him when young, 
and lived in his heart to his latest days. 

And though I feel a most precious unity with his 
spirit, I forbear to say much concerning him, preferring 
that his heart should be unveiled by his own words. 

And now, having with tears laid my little offering on 
the altar, in much love to all, I leave this caution with 
the reader :— It needs to be read in stillness, and with 
the true eye opened. 

Peiscilla Pitt. 
Park Lane, Croydon, 1873. 



INTRODUCTION. 



My Father was born in the year 1789. After receiv- 
ing a fair education, lie was apprenticed to the linen 
drapery with his cousin, Samuel Weetch, of Ratcliff, 
till the age of twenty-one, when he was engaged as shop 
assistant with Mary Liversidge and John T. Shewell, at 
Ipswich. His last situation was with John Kitching, 
linen draper, in Whitechapel, London, whom he ulti- 
mately succeeded in the business in 1818. This he 
carried on satisfactorily for ten years, with a consistent 
plainness, closing his shop to allow of all attending their 
mid-week meeting, and would often find customers wait- 
ing their return. His marriage took place in the year 
1819, to Hannah Lucas, daughter of Samuel and Ann 
Lucas, com dealers, in Warwick-street, London, with 
whom he had been acquainted from childhood. Of their 
four daughters, two died in infancy, and one peacefully 
breathed her last in the thirty- seventh year of her age. 
In 1828, partly from delicate health, and to be more set 
at liberty for religious service, he retired from business, 
and the year following came to reside at this cottage in 
Park Lane, Croydon, which he used to style " our com- 
fortable, peaceful home." 

The first record we find of his having spoken in 
meeting was in his twenty- second year. He was acknow- 
ledged as a minister in unity in 1818, by Devonshire 



VI. 



House monthly meeting. His travels in the work of 
the ministry with the unity of his monthly meeting 
extended over a period of forty-three years, commencing 
in 1822, during which time he visited all the meetings 
of Friends in most of the English counties, and some 
of them several times. Also in Guernsey and Jersey and 
the Isle of Wight ; in Wales and Scotland ; and three times 
paid a general visit to Friends in Ireland, viz., in 1837, 
'56, and '65. His calling was much in the way of 
private sittings with individuals or families, which ser- 
vice he diligently performed in many places. Four times, 
at least, he visited in this way the Friends near home. 
The largest engagement of this kind was in the winter 
of 1846-7, when he had 277 sittings alone with the 
young men in our quarterly meeting, 66 with the young 
women, and 229 other sittings. He not unfrequently 
was led to hold meetings with persons not in our 
Society where his lot was cast, and once accompanied 
Sarah Harris, of Bradford, and Mary B. Brown, her 
companion, to some parts of Holland and Germany. 
There are evidences and testimonies that his labours in 
Gospel love were acceptable, and not without fruit. 
His ministry, like his nature, was loving and persuasive, 
hearing a clear testimony to the spiritual and inward 
nature of religion, and of the powerful operation and 
working of saving grace in the secret of the heart, 
often reminding us that it was "an individual work." 
Perhaps on the occasion of interments, his ministry was 
most of all impressive. It was then his exhortations 
on the vanities of life, and the realities of death, seemed 
to penetrate the hearts of many present, and leave 
a savour of divine life long to be remembered. 

His heart yearned over little children, that they 
might not be hindered from coming to the Saviour by 



Vll. 

the indifference of those around them ; and often when 
he met with infants would instructively remark, " This 
is what we must all come to — the state of a little 
child." 

He was remarkable in life for endeavouring to walk 
spotless, and not join with anything that by the inward 
light was forbidden him, and in the near approach of 
death he was the same. 

He directed that none of his money should be given 
for the promotion of those undertakings in our Society 
with which he had not felt unity, because they were not 
sufficiently carried on in accordance with the principles 
we profess, saying we could not depart from them with- 
out going back to a lower dispensation ; and because, 
deeply feeling the need of a daily cross to possess a 
true religion, he believed that a superficial religion, or 
profession only, had too much usurped its place among 
us, and become a substitute for that vital Christianity, 
or the life and witness of God manifest in the soul, 
which ought to precede all our efforts for the good of 
our fellow creatures. Otherwise he had a sympathizing 
heart, easily moved to pity and compassion. 

He often used to say, "When I was young, I felt 
that if there was only one Quaker left, I must be that 
one"— a feeling he retained to his end. And he 
lamented that our early Friends' writings are so little 
valued and read by friends at the present day. 

P. Pitt. 



A MEMOIE 

OF 

JOHN FINCH MARSH 



Without observing any strict rule, I thought it well to give 
some memorandums from my father's diary, as they occur in 
point of time ; after that his dying expressions, concluding 
with selections from his correspondence. 



FIBST— HIS DIABY. 

I was born on the fourth day of third month, 1789, 
at Chatham, in the county of Kent, and descended of 
honest and virtuous parents. Their names were Thomas 
and Catherine Marsh. My father was the son of Thomas 
and Hannah Marsh, and born at Folkestone, 19th of 
10th mo. 1748, 0. S. My mother, the daughter of 
Peter and Mary Finch, it appears was born at Char- 
tham, near Canterbury. 

1810, 2nd mo. 24th. Emila Marsh, my brother 
William's wife, died about ten o'clock in the evening. 

1810> 3rd mo. 4th. To Batcliff meeting, morning 
and afternoon. 

1810, 3rd mo. 7th. Left Samuel Weetch. 

1810, 6th mo. 4th. Uncle John Finch died. 

1810, 6mo. 29th. Came to live with Mary Liver- 
sidge and John Shewell, at Ipswich [as assistant] . 



10 

1810, 8th mo. 12th. Attended Ipswich meeting, 
morning and afternoon. Appeared with a few words 
at the morning meeting. 

1812. 5th mo. 19th. Left Ipswich. 

1812, 7th mo. 8th. Went to Deptford [as as- 
sistant to Joseph Shewell] . 

1813, 7th mo. 5th. Left my kind and affectionate 
friend Joseph Shewell. 

1813, 8th mo. 3rd. Went to Coggeshall, and 9th 
mo., 27th, left it. 

1813, 10th mo. 21st. Went to Colchester [to 
E. Brockway's] , and left it 3rd mo. 24th, 1814. 

From 7th of 4th mo. 1814, to the 15th of 5th mo. 

1814, again with my dear friend Joseph Shewell. 
From 22nd of 8th mo. 1814, to the 26th of 2nd mo. 

1815, again with my dear friend Joseph Shewell. 

1814, 6th mo. 12th, 1st day. At a friend's house 
this evening ; after supper had a religious opportunity, 
and was enabled, I trust in an acceptable manner to 
acknowledge the Lord, and have cause to believe it was 
an act of obedience with which He was pleased. 

22nd, 4th day. At Dover week-day meeting appeared 
in supplication and testimony. 

26th, 1st day. Attended Canterbury meeting, and 
appeared in supplication and testimony. 

30th. At a friend's house at Maidstone ; had a re- 
ligious opportunity in supplication in the evening. 

7th mo. 2nd, 1st day. Attended Rochester meeting 
morning and evening, much to the satisfaction and com- 
fort of my mind ; in the former was engaged in testi- 
mony ; they were both precious meetings with me. 

During the few weeks I spent in Kent, which was a 
visit to my relations there, I was permitted to enjoy 
frequent opportunities of religious retirement. 



11 

Whitechapel, 10th mo., 1816. 

Some account of a short visit to Southampton and 
the Isle of Wight. 

Early on 3rd day morning, 17th of 9th mo., 1816, 
left London by coach for Southampton, and arrived 
there about six o'clock. Lodged at the George Inn. I 
have good reason to remember that evening, both before 
and after retiring to bed, it being a season of divine 
favour, my soul tasted of the goodness of the Lord, and 
under an humbling sense thereof was sweetly bowed in 
supplication. Slept comfortably, and awoke in the morn- 
ing much refreshed ; walked a little before breakfast. 
At eleven went to meeting, sat with a very small com- 
pany, and expressed a little by way of encouragement. 
Here I met with John Barclay, who kindly engaged to 
meet me in the afternoon at W. W.'s, at whose house I 
dined, to walk with me. I was pleased with his com- 
pany, and presently found him an amiable, interesting 
companion ; his mind evidently appears impressed with 
much seriousness, a seriousness accompanied with a 
solemn sweetness. I esteem it a privilege my lot was 
cast so as to meet with him. He has been much the 
pleasant companion of my thoughts since my return ; 
my heart has rejoiced on his account, and been com- 
forted in the belief that he is bowing with fear and 
humility under the forming hand of the Lord. My heart 
longs for his encouragement, and that he may con- 
tinue to be preserved in a watchful, humble frame, that 
so none of the many hindering, hurtful things that are 
in the world may be permitted in any degree to obstruct 
his progress in that path in which I believe the feet of 
his mind are sweetly turned. Oh ! how delightful and 
encouraging in passing along to meet with those young 
in years concerned to remember their Creator in the 



12 

days of their youth. My heart, yea all that is within 
me, is at times made to rejoice over such as these, and 
tenderly and affectionately desires their encouragement 
and growth in the Truth. 

May I be so preserved on the watch as to omit no 
opportunity of doing what my hands find to do, and 
endeavouring to encourage and strengthen the minds of 
these preciously-visited, exercised little ones, according 
to that ability which may be given. The mind thus 
engaged, if careful not to move beyond present ability, 
if careful to attend to right feeling, need not be afraid, 
while thus preseiwed in the simplicity and humility, of 
expressing anything that would be likely to bring forth 
anything like unripe fruit, or an untimely birth ; but 
would, I believe, if faithful in attending to the pointings 
of Tfuth in the inward parts, be made instrumental in 
different and many ways, to gather the children and 
people — to strengthen the brethren and sisters. 

We spent the remaining part of the day pleasantly ; 
went to Netley Abbey to see those ancient and interest- 
ing ruins ; the scenery of country and water from the 
spot and about Southampton exceedingly beautiful. Got 
back in the evening in time to meet our young friend 
Edmund Janson, who had been on a visit at J. S.'s at 
Shaftesbury, and agreeable to appointment met me here 
in order to accompany me to the island. We supped at 
W. W.'s. 

19th. After breakfast our young friend J. B. met us 
and accompanied us to Netley Abbey; spent the morning 
pleasantly together, stopped at a neat, quiet house on 
our return, and, taking a light meal, got back in time 
for the packet, when, parting with dear J. B., went on 
board between three and four, and after a pleasant sail 
with agreeable company, landed at Cowes about six, 



13 

took some tea, and walked to Newport in the dark. 
[Here follows an account of their brief walking excur- 
sion on the island, and of his return to Whitechapel on 
the 23rd.] 

[It is to be regretted that nothing more than a few scattered 
memorandums can be found during the interesting period of 
his early life, so that there appears to be no record concerning 
the happy event of his marriage, which took place in the year 
1819.] 

1821, 12th mo. 1st. After reading the 6th chapter 
of Daniel in the morning, this language seemed plea- 
santly impressed on my mind — "The same Lord over 
all is rich unto all that call upon Him." In the after- 
noon had a short time of retirement in my chamber. 

1823, 1st mo. 1st. Last evening, at the close of an 
eventful year, my mind favoured with the overshadowing 
of good ; and to-day the secret breathing of it hath been 
that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my 
heart may be more acceptable in the Divine sight for 
the future than of late they have been. 

[Near the close of a long visit to relatives at War- 
wick, he mentions,] 

1831, 11th mo. 27th. We attended Warwick meeting 
morning and afternoon. My dear wife and self appeared 
in testimony in the morning. In the afternoon broke 
up meeting too soon, which was a cause of much uneasi- 
ness to my poor mind the remainder of the evening, &c, 
having reason to believe that my dear Hannah was not 
quite clear of some in that little company, and came 
away burdened. Oh ! what sorrow and regret I felt ! 

1839, 2nd mo. 9th. [Being on a visit at Kochester] 
I called on a medical man, having felt my mind secretly 
attracted towards him in love ; I found him at home. 
We had a sweet little time together, much to my 



14 

satisfaction, and I trust to our mutual comfort and 
strengthening. I believe him to be a valuable character, 
one whose mind has often been preciously visited, humbled 
and contrited, under a sense of the goodness and mercy 
of the Lord towards him, and which I believe has fol- 
lowed him from his youth up, and continues to follow 
him. May he be preserved humble and watchful ! 
the preciousness of the love of our Heavenly Father, 
shed abroad in the hearts of the children of men ! 

7th mo. 24th. I attended the interment of the re- 
mains of dear Eliza Bell, at Croydon. Her dear be- 
reaved husband seemed preserved in much calmness, 
and was strengthened to express a few words sweetly at 
the grave side. There were several communications in 
the meeting, and some supplications. I am of the mind, 
that more silence, and fewer words would have been 
more profitable and edifying. I incline to think if there 
was more inwardness and watchfulness, that there would 
be less of the feeling of excitement experienced by those 
who may at times have to minister, than it is to be 
feared, is often the case on such occasions. 

[Whilst holding a minute, liberating both my parents 
for service in Croydon, during which time they had 
nearly 50 sittings with Friends, also sittings in nearly 
60 families not Friends.] 

1840, 1st mo. 26th, 1st day. Very poor, and 
stripped of the feeling of good, and of any qualification 
or fitness for the important engagement in prospect 
[among our neighbours] . P. B., K. B., H. D., and 
Brother S. H. L. took tea with us, they being appointed 
by the monthly meeting to confer with and assist us in 
making the way for our visits. After tea we had a 
comfortable, strengthening and encouraging time toge- 
ther. B. B. appeared in supplication. 



15 

27th. We took tea in company with dear M. S., who 
had very sweetly and encouragingly to address my dear 
wife and myself in the prospect of what was before us ; 
it was a precious opportunity. Dear H. Dymond called 
and spent a little time very pleasantly with us. I feel 
much love to flow in my heart towards him, and desire 
to have more and more of , his company, which think, I 
may say, is always instructive to me. 

28th. Eetired comfortably to rest last night, and 
this morning my mind is favoured to feel calm and 
quiet. 

29th. In the evening commenced our visits, sitting 
with F. and E. , a sweet and refreshing oppor- 
tunity. 

We are proceeding, I trust, safely and peacefully in 
our engagement ; oftentimes comforted with a feeling of 
sweet fellowship of spirit in the company of the humble 
in heart, in our visits. And I think I may acknowledge 
that gratitude has often been the covering of our minds 
for the help which has from time to time been afforded 
to our own humbling admiration, so that we are abun- 
dantly compensated for the humiliating and proving sea- 
sons we are often introduced into. 

3rd mo. 15th, 1st day. Felt something towards an 
individual who attended our meeting in the afternoon 
(not in membership with us), at the close of which I 
found it safest for me to seek an opportunity with 
him, which I did by walking a little way with him, 
much to the peace of my own mind, and I believe to 
the comfort of his. He parted sweetly from me, ex- 
pressing the desire the Lord might be with me. He 
was at meeting also in the morning. I think his words 
were, " The Lord be with thee." 

Myself and wife attended the marriage of and 



16 

. We dined at the house ; a large company. The 

want of simplicity at the dinner table, as also in the 
appearance of some as respects dress, was affecting 
to witness. the sorrowful departure in this our 
day, in so many ways, from the simplicity which the 
Truth leads into, and would lead into, was there but 
an individual faithfulness in yielding to the dictates 
thereof — its pure teaching and guiding. 

I attended the marriage of and , and ap- 
peared in testimony. On going into the room after- 
wards to speak with the bride and bridegroom, &c, I 
was concerned to see such a display of flowers, so many 
having a nosegay in their hands. Alas ! how many 
deviations there are in the present day from the simpli- 
city which the Truth would lead all into, was there but 
a willingness to yield to its simple leadings and guid- 
ings. No one perhaps can enjoy the sight of flowers 
more than myself, and I believe it an allowable pleasure 
for us all ; but the display of them on this occasion, and 
in this way, does not feel comfortable to me, neither do 
I think it right. Also it appears the practice of many 
Friends now-a-days to ornament their dishes brought to 
table, with flowers, which does not appear to me consis- 
tent in us so to do. 

1841, 7th mo. 6th. In the forenoon enjoyed a sweet 
time in prayer in my chamber, under a renewed sense of 
the fresh extension of my Heavenly Father's love to my 
soul. My spirit was, I trust, bowed and contrited with 
the feeling of gratitude and praise. 

[After returning a certificate he held for visiting the 
meetings in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derby, and Notts., 
he wrote :] 

1842, 1st mo. 20th. During this long engagement 
it was my lot for the most part to move along in the 



17 

feeling of much poverty, and weakness, and stripped- 
ness ; yet I trust there were times when best help was 
nigh to strengthen and enable me to bear a faithful 
testimony to the Truth as it is in Jesus, — and that I 
was mercifully preserved from doing harm to the pre- 
cious cause. 

3rd mo. 16th. Our beloved friend Sarah [Lynes] 
Grubb departed this life at Sudbury, aged about 69 
years. Great indeed is the loss the church has sustained 
by the removal of this faithful servant and minister of 
Christ. She was one eminently gifted for the work of 
the ministry, in which she was a faithful and diligent 
labourer from her youth up to the latest period of her 
life. 

23rd. The remains of our beloved Friend S. G-. in- 
terred at Sudbury before meeting. It was a sweet and 
solemn time by the grave-side, nothing expressed vocally. 
In the meeting I ventured to bend the knee. Seven 
Friends appeared in testimony. I believe it would have 
been safe for me, and have tended to the peace of my 
mind, had I simply rose towards the conclusion ; but, 
alas ! I suffered the meeting to separate without ven- 
turing the expression of a little; and which omission 
occasioned me to feel sad. Ah ! how glad should I 
have been could I but have got the same company of 
Friends and others together again when it was too late ; 
and how the lost opportunity was afforded for this exercise 
of faith, even while the people were rising from their 
seats, and leaving the meeting-house, which they did 
in so deliberate and solid a manner. 

May this circumstance, or omission, prove a lesson of 
lasting instruction to me, — and may I yet be favoured to 
experience a moving along in more simplicity and faith, 
and in singleness of eye. 



18 

1847, 10th mo. 20th. I have been seriously unwell, 
and confined to my bed about a week. I am now 
favoured to be nicely recovered, and nearly regained my 
usual health and strength, and trust that my heart is 
made to feel thankful to my heavenly Father for this 
great favour, and for the sense of his goodness and. 
mercy towards me in this time of prostration, which I 
have to look back upon as a season of renewed favour, 
wherein I trust I did enjoy something of the Divine 
presence, and was bowed in spirit before the Lord under 
a sense of my great unworthiness and unwatchfulness — 
my many short comings and sins of omission and com- 
mission, in which I trust near access was found in 
prayer and praise, and renewed desires raised after a 
closer walk with God, and that I might become 
increasingly humble and watchful; yea, experience a 
daily watching unto prayer. During my indisposition, 
I had occasion to be well satisfied with the kind at- 
tention paid me by our medical attendant, Edward 
Westall. 

21st. Our Monthly Meeting. It seemed with me to 
remark on the necessity of witnessing the new birth ; 
signifying that that which was necessary for one indi- 
vidual, was needful for all to experience, viz., a true 
and real change of heart, and conversion of soul — a 
being born again agreeable to the doctrine of our Holy 
Redeemer, which he taught Nicodemus. 

11th mo. 8th, 2nd day Morning Meeting. My wife 
and I attended it. Ann Tweedy, from Truro, was there, 
and had feelingly to remark on the sorrow it had oc- 
casioned her, since being up this way, in seeing the 
increased departure from the simplicity in our young 
people, bringing the matter close home to Friends filling 
the station of Ministers and Elders ; giving suitable 



19 

counsel, and encouraging to faithfulness in speaking in 
love one to another, as occasion might seem to require. 
I was glad of her communication, as also in that it 
opened the way for my dear wife to obtain some relief 
in a similar manner, which she was strengthened to do 
in unison and accordance therewith. Their communi- 
cations were, I think, a word in season, and may they 
prove a profitable watchword. 

1853, 1st mo. 30th. It is, I trust, under some feeling 
sense of the love of our Heavenly Father shed abroad in 
my heart, and for the nearness of access in prayer, re- 
newedly permitted me again of late in my private retire- 
ment, that I incline to write what my heart desires to say, 
and I trust does say, viz., Rejoice in the Lord, my 
soul, rejoice in him always, for He hath dealt mercifully 
and bountifully with thee ; yea, " Bless the Lord, my 
soul : and all that is within me, bless His holy name." 

" Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every- 
thing give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ 
Jesus concerning you." 

Surely the Christian's life is, and ought to be, a life 
of prayer, of thanksgiving, and of praise. A life of 
devotedness and dedication of heart unto the Lord, at 
all times, and in all things. A state of watchfulness is 
a state of prayer ; herein is safety experienced. — How 
important then is individual attention to the injunction 
of our Holy Redeemer, to watch and pray, that we enter 
not into temptation. " Watch and pray, that ye enter 
not into temptation." 

1853, 1st mo. The present is an awful time, calcu- 
lated indeed to awaken and arouse to serious thoughtful- 
ness and reflection — a season of mourning and heaviness 
with many. The latter part of the past year, with the 
opening of the present, has been, and is still, fraught 



20 

with solemn and fearful events, from the very long con- 
tinuance of much rain and consequent damp atmosphere, 
with much illness from fever and other indisposition, the 
town of Croydon and its neighbourhood being remark- 
ably visited thereby, very many being ill, and many 
removed by death. 

How striking that in the short space of five weeks six 
individuals, members of Croydon Particular Meeting, 
should have been called upon to render up their ac- 
counts ; and in about six weeks the remains of each 
consigned to the silent grave. Affecting, indeed, the 
events that have been happening about us in this time 
of visitation with sickness and death. Fever of a typhoid 
or a typhus kind, with diarrhoea ; and in most cases 
that have been fatal, it seems from the first to have so 
seized on the intellect as to afford very little if any time 
of consciousness ; so that if preparation for the solemn 
change was not sought after in time of health, there 
appears to have been little or no opportunity on the sick 
bed. Ah ! solemn events, indeed, and well it will be if 
the inhabitants of this place and elsewhere so profit 
thereby as to seek repentance, forsake sin, and by so 
doing come to learn righteousness. And well will it be 
if some of the members of our meeting, yea, all of us, 
be afresh instructed in the way of righteousness, by 
yielding to the humbling and contriting power of that 
chastening Hand which has seen meet to dispense largely 
to some of this affliction. 

2nd mo. 8th. A time of precious quiet in retirement 
this morning, and prayer. 

8th mo. 10th. A. N. dined and took tea with us. 
This dear young person, aged nearly 19 years, is 
sweetly visited ; the love of our Heavenly Father is, I 
believe, preciously shed abroad in his heart. May he be 



21 

strengthened to hold on in the way cast up for him 
to walk in, in faith and in faithfulness. 

Amidst the many discouragements, there are some 
bright spots to cheer the mourners on their way; 
here and there a precious plant to cast the eye upon, 
from which, too, proceeds a fragrant smell, calculated to 
revive and animate the drooping hope ; some sweetly 
visited minds on whom the good and tender Hand of the 
Lord is laid, in order, if there he hut a yielding to its 
forming and cleansing power, to fit and qualify for His 
own work and service in His own way and time. 

1854, 9th mo. 8th and 9th. Days spent much in 
retirement, and I trust in waiting upon the Lord, 
wherein I was engaged to pour forth my soul in prayer. 

10th, 1st day. Toward the close of our evening 
meeting I ventured in weakness and in fear to stand up, 
and was, I think, helped in my testimony by Him who 
" giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no 
might he increaseth strength." William Higgins feel- 
ingly expressed a little afterwards, and in unison with 
my communication. 

17th. Priscilla and myself by ourselves to-day, 
wherein we were favoured to experience some precious 
quiet. 

18th. A day spent in profitable retirement, and in 
the feeling of inward quiet. In the forenoon I trust 
near access was granted in a time of prayer. Oh ! 
how great the privilege of prayer, and the blessedness 
which is known and felt when so engaged; when, in 
private retirement waiting upon God, ability is afforded 
in prostration of spirit to pour forth the soul unto Him, 
in the name of His beloved Son our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 

29th. Favoured this morning with the overshadowing 



22 

of heavenly good, and my mind clothed with the 
spirit of prayer; unworthy and undeserving do I feel 
myself of such mercy in being thus permitted to rejoice 
in the light of the Lord's countenance, " in whose pre- 
sence is fulness of joy, at whose right hand there are 
pleasures for evermore." 

10th mo. 15th, 1st day. Having been looking toward 
going to Wandsworth to-day, to sit with Friends in their 
meeting, I left home with that intention ; but giving 
way to unprofitable discouragement I returned back, 
which occasioned me some feeling of regret, and by so 
doing it is likely I deprived myself of the privilege of 
the exercise of a little faith. 

J 855, 4th mo. 13th. The thirty-sixth anniversary 
of our marriage ; many and multiplied have been, the 
blessings and favours received at the Lord's Hand 
during our happy union. Under the sense thereof, our 
hearts, I trust, have been often raised in the feeling of 
gratitude and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, 
whose goodness and mercy have indeed followed us all the 
days of our lives, and whose supporting arm has been 
near and underneath to sustain and uphold in seasons of 
deep proving, of trial, and of conflict. Surely we have 
renewed occasion to adopt the words of the Psalmist 
and say, " "What shall I (we) render unto the Lord for 
all His benefits towards me " (us). 

1856, 4th mo. This day, the 13th, memorable as 
being the thirty- seventh anniversary of our marriage. 
Many and multiplied have been the jmercies and favours 
continued to us and our beloved daughters since noticing 
the 13th of 4th mo. in the past year, and renewed de- 
sires are, I trust, raised in our hearts that the remainder 
of our days may be devoted, as ability is afforded, and 
the requirings may be, to the service of the precious 



23 

cause of Truth, which hath been and still is near and 
dear to us. As in years that are past, and in the morn- 
ing of life, we may have been strengthened, according 
to our measure, to sow the seed, so also now in the 
approaching evening of our day we may not withhold 
the hand. The watchword is important. Eccles. xi., 6. 

1859, 5th mo. 28th. To be again returned to our 
comfortable and quiet home is truly pleasant, and in 
being so permitted, I trust our hearts are made to feel 
thankful to our Heavenly Father for the many favours 
partaken of during our stay in London, and in the at- 
tendance of the Yearly Meeting ; and for the help af- 
forded both mentally and bodily. 

A stripped time with me, and many are the dis- 
couragements of the present day. The sight and sense 
of the low state of things amongst us as a people is 
affecting and sorrowful; yet amidst all our.various short- 
comings, and many and great deficiencies, &c, &c, we 
were at times, during the sittings of this our Annual 
Meeting, favoured with the evidence that we are not as 
yet a forsaken people. 

Discouraging as may seem the present aspect of 
things as regards our religious Society, my faith is that 
the Lord will preserve unto himself such a People ; that 
there will be preserved from generation to generation 
those who in their day will be strengthened to stand for 
the honour of the precious cause of Truth, yea, to bear 
a faithful testimony to the simplicity of the Truth as it 
is in Jesus, who will be enabled to uphold those various 
precious testimonies committed to us as a People to bear 
before the world. 

Testimonies so precious, and for which our forefathers 
in the Truth suffered so much in a faithful supporting of 
them. ... .., , ..... 



24 

" Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and 
his greatness is unsearchable." 

" One generation shall praise Thy works to another, 
and shall declare Thy mighty acts." — Ps. cxlv., y. 3. 4. 

Again, sweetly is set forth the watchful care of our 
Heavenly Father over His vineyard, — " I the Lord do 
keep it ; I will water it every moment : lest any hurt it, 
I will keep it night and day." — Isaiah xxvii. 3. 

1864, 3rd mo. 4th. The forty-fifth anniversary of 
our marriage. A happy union, having been, as we trust, 
joined together in and by the Lord, blessed of Him, and 
in and to each other. Surely we have abundant cause 
reverently to bless and praise His holy Name for his 
goodness and mercy which has followed us, not only 
through this lengthened period of a happy married life, 
but we may also say from our youth up, yea, from the 
days of our early childhood ; so that under some sense 
and feeling, the query may well be, not only, what shall 
we render ? but also, what have we hitherto rendered 
unto Him for all His benefits towards us, for all His 
manifold gifts and blessings, both spiritual and tem- 
poral ? Many have been the trials, conflicts, and exer- 
cises through which we have had to pass during our 
journeying along ; yet through all, the good and tender 
Hand of the Lord hath been near to sustain and sup- 
port under them, thus verifying in our experience that 
He is indeed good, and a " stronghold in the day of 
trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." 

And how especially near is He felt to be in seasons 
of affliction, in moments of extremity, by all them that 
put their trust in Him. Ah ! it is then that the ever- 
lasting Arms are felt to be underneath. 

It is when the floods are permitted to lift up their 
voice and their waves, that these are favoured to 



25 

experience " The Lord on high to be mightier" for their 
help and deliverance, " than the noise of many waters, 
yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." 

And ! how much, how very much, have we to be 
thankful for, in that at our advanced period of life, so com- 
fortable a share of health and bodily ability is granted 
us, as also for the continued preservation of our mental 
powers. I trust there are times when our hearts, ten- 
dered under a sense thereof, are clothed with the feeling 
of gratitude and thankfulness, and of praise to our Hea- 
venly Father, |who giveth so richly to partake of His 
many mercies and blessings. 

5th mo. 1st, 1st day. In our forenoon meeting our 
dear aged friend William Ashby was remarkably en- 
gaged in testimony, as he is often favoured to be ; he 
also knelt in prayer. It is instructive and encouraging 
to witness how this beloved Friend appears to be raised 
up and strengthened to bear a living and faithful testi- 
mony to the Truth as it is in Jesus, as I have often 
thought, before being gathered to his heavenly home. 
" The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree ; he shall 
grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted 
in the house of the Lord shall nourish in the courts of 
our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age ; 
they shall be fat and flourishing." 

1866, 3rd mo. 19th. [Having been] confined to the 
bed and chamber many days, I had Alfred Carpenter, 
our medical attendant, to see me, under whose kind, 
judicious treatment, and with the most tender nursing 
care of my beloved and affectionate wife, it has pleased 
our Heavenly Father to permit me now to feel much 
recovered. My thus being laid by, I trust has been a 
time of some spiritual profit, some searching of heart, 
and renewal of best strength. Among other precious 



26 

portions brought to remembrance, that Scripture has, I 
trust, been realised in experience, " Thou wilt keep him 
in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because 
he trusteth in Thee." 

And how true it is, that in quietness and in confi- 
dence the Christian's strength is renewed. Yes, in 
proportion as the heart and mind is inwardly stayed 
and fixed on the Lord in quietness and in confidence, 
that a renewal of spiritual strength is experienced. 

24th. Came down to breakfast, afterwards read the 
ciii. Psalm. It is, indeed, cause of thankfulness my 
being thus favoured with an increase of bodily strength ; 
and that I may daily experience a renewal thereof 
spiritually. " The Lord is good unto them that wait 
for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him." 

1866, 9th mo. 19th. I went to the Kent Quarterly 
Meeting, held at Canterbury. 

28th. We left Folkestone. We much enjoyed the 
quiet time spent there [for change of air] , which I trust 
was beneficial, both mentally and bodily. In attending 
their little meeting while there, we were, I trust, helped 
in testimony suitable to the few assembled. Also when 
walking out, we had at times some interesting conversa- 
tion with serious persons we occasionally met with. 

1867, 4th mo. 2nd. Oh ! the preciousness of near 
access to the throne of grace in prayer, in times of re- 
tirement when waiting upon the Lord. Such, I trust, 
was my favoured experience this forenoon. 

4th. W. W., of Brading, in the Isle of Wight, made 
a call on us. His spirit was felt to be sweetly re- 
freshing. 

13th. The forty-eighth anniversary of our marriage. 
Surely there is renewed occasion, all unworthy and un- 
deserving as we are of the many mercies and blessings 



27 

bestowed npon us, to put up our Ebenezer, saying, 
"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us;" and again, "What 
shall we render ? " &c. 

5th mo. 81st. The Yearly Meeting concluded. My 
Wife and I attended most of the sittings, but were not at 
any of the committees. The meeting was largely at- 
tended, and notwithstanding the many weaknesses and 
shortcomings and serious innovations, an evidence was 
mercifully afforded that we are not a forsaken people, 
but that our Heavenly Father is still watching over us 
for good. Then how well it would be if as a people we 
were so humbled under a sense of our departure in so 
many ways from the simplicity, which the Truth as it is 
in Jesus ever leads into, as to be able to say, " Let us 
search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord; " 
and also be able individually to say with the Psalmist, 
" I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto Thy 
testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep 
Thy commandments." 

6th mo. 5th. Some near access, I trust, in prayer, 
in private retirement this morning ; and during the day 
was favoured to enjoy much precious quiet. 

1868, 12th mo. 14th. Oh ! the blessedness of feeling 
daily the mind clothed with the spirit of prayer. I had 
a sweet time on the bended knee in the forenoon. And 
oh ! the blessedness of knowing something of what I 
apprehend the apostle meant when he said, "Pray 
without ceasing ; in everything give thanks, for this is 
the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Not 
that we were to be on the bended knee of the body from 
morning until night, but that we should throughout the 
day live in the spirit of prayer, in a state of watchfulness 
unto prayer, inwardly feeling after the Divine Presence, 
thev liftings up of the light of the Lord's countenance, 



28 

and in earnest and secret breathings for holy help and 
merciful preservation on every hand, and every way. 
Ah ! such as these know something of the blessed 
privilege of prayer, and under the constraining influences 
of heavenly love and peace have often, and at times often 
in the day, to bow the knee in vocal prayer, and in the 
retirement of their chamber and elsewhere, to pour forth 
their souls in solemn prayer and supplication to their 
Heavenly Father, in the Name and for the sake of His 
beloved Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

1870, 10th mo. 25th. T. F , an interesting 

young man, not a member of our Society, came to tea 
with us. "We enjoyed his company, and had some 
serious converse together. 

10th mo. 28th. Last evening finished reading the 
memoranda left by the late I. H., including some ex- 
tracts from the journal of her mother I. T., kindly lent 
to us for perusal by one of the family. The reading of 
it has been truly interesting and edifying, and my spirit 
sweetly tendered in marking the pureness of life and 
genuine piety, as manifested throughout ; and peaceful 
close of each. It has, I trust, tended to lead afresh into 
some searching of heart, giving me to feel my own 
nothingness, unworthiness, and many shortcomings. My 
dear wife has also shared with me in the profitable 
reading thereof. 

1871, 4th mo. 13th. To-day is the fifty-second anni- 
versary of our marriage. Surely we have great occasion 
afresh to commemorate the goodness and mercy of our 
Heavenly Father extended to us during our lengthened 
happy union, a period of time but few perhaps, com- 
paratively speaking, are alike permitted to realise, enjoy, 
and share together in the blessings and privileges of a 
married life. Varied have been the trials, conflicts, and 



29 

exercises we have been partakers of ; yet through all, 
and under some close and heavy bereavements of be- 
loved and precious children and grandchildren, the ever- 
lasting Arms have been felt to be underneath for our 
support ; yea, when the floods of affliction have lifted up 
their voice and their waves, the Lord on high hath 
proved Himself to be mightier for our help and deliver- 
ance than the noise of many waters, yea, than the 
mighty waves of the sea. So that now in our advanced 
years we have abundant cause to put up our Ebenezer, 
and say as heretofore, that " Hitherto the Lord hath 
helped us." I think we may each say that from the 
days of early childhood and youth, we have experienced 
His love and fear to be placed in our hearts, so that He 
who was our morning light, we reverently trust is now 
our evening song, our joy and rejoicing. 

1872, 5th mo. 11th. Thirty-four years to-day since 
my much beloved friend John Barclay departed this life ; 
also that much beloved friend Anna M. Thorne, of 
America. How precious, yes always how precious, is 
the memory of them. " The righteous shall be in ever- 
lasting remembrance." 

17th. " Blessed are they which -do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness, for they shall be filled." 

The soul that is thus quickened and made alive unto 
God, feels the necessity of seeking day by day, and more 
often than the day, a renewal of spiritual strength, and 
for the fresh supply of that heavenly bread which 
nourishes the soul up unto eternal life ; and surely that 
day may be said to be a lost day in which something of 
this hunger and thirst after the bread and water of life 
is not felt and experienced, — this hunger and thirst 
after Christ and His righteousness, and some sense and 
feeling of His heavenly presence in the lifting up of the 



30 

light of His countenance upon us ; and though there 
may be and are times when for the trial of our faith and 
exercise of patience, the bread may be given us as by 
weight, and the water as by measure ; yet as faith and 
patience is abode in, the needful crumb and needful 
drop of water will not be withheld in the time of need, 
the ancient promise being realised and experienced — 
" Bread shall be given him ; his waters shall be sure." 

12th mo. 17th. To-day's post has brought us the 
affecting intelligence of the death of our beloved cousin 
John Marsh, of Dorking, in the eighty-fourth year of 
his age. 

May the remembrance of his watchful, upright, and 
consistent walk, be so teaching to survivors as to quicken 
in them the desire to be alike strengthened by grace to 
follow him, as we may believe he endeavoured to follow 
Christ. 

1878, 1st mo. 7th. To-day has brought us the affect- 
ing intelligence of the death of Richard Allen, of New- 
town, Waterford. It was my privilege, I may say our 
privilege (my beloved wife being a sharer therein), to 
enjoy for many years an uninterrupted and abiding 
friendship with this* our beloved, departed friend and 
brother in the Truth, and throughout, a lively in- 
terest in each other's best welfare ; and epistolary cor- 
respondence has been maintained between us, being, as 
we were, nearly united in spirit, and in the love and 
fellowship of the Gospel. " The memory of the just is 
blessed." 

7th mo. 3rd. Fourteen years to-day since our pre- 
ciously beloved daughter Hannah departed this life ; 
precious, indeed, is her memory. I trust I may say, as 
heretofore, that, " She being dead, yet speaketh." 

7th. We attended our Quarterly Meeting of ministers 



31 

and elders. We each had something to express in the 
meeting. 

8th. I went to our Quarterly Meeting. Our dear 
friend Mary Ann Bayes paid an acceptable visit to the 
men's meeting of discipline. 

[The diary was broken off soon after, and gives no 
account of his last visit to the seaside, in company with 
my dear mother and ourselves.] 



SOME ACCOUNT OF HIS LAST DAYS. 



My Fathee appeared much benefitted by our visit to 
Margate. During the whole five weeks of our stay he 
was remarkably well, enjoying the fresh air and exercise 
greatly. But soon after our return the weather be- 
came autumnal, and in little more than a week he 
was laid up, having appeared to take a chill, which 
brought on congestion of the liver. He was ill about four 
weeks. For nearly two the expectation of recovery was 
dominant, and my beloved mother nursed him with calm 
cheerfulness. Sweet composure reigned in the house. 
I called in repeatedly, and observed his desire to get 
everything worldly off his mind, that he " might have 
nothing to think about." "You shouldn't let little 
things trouble you ; I seem to have done with time.'' 
He gave me a gentle hint to come as often as possible, 
" for we do not know how it may be from one day to 
another." " It seems hid from me whether I shall get 
about again ; if I do, I shall be thankful ; and if not, 
resigned." 

Fourteen days before he died, I called in for an hour, 
which seemed to comfort him. He asked me to write a 
letter for him, and then took me quite by surprise with 
the following words, " If I pass away all will be well 
with me, I believe." I asked him if he felt that ? He 



33 

replied, " Of course I do. My Heavenly Father that 
visited me when a child is the same now. He had His 
eye upon me in the womb ; he visited me from a child. 
I loved and feared Him from a child. I have found I 
have not followed cunningly devised fables, — it's the 
Inward Saving Grace — though it has not been my way, 
like many do, to make a great talk. I'm afraid many 
pass away unprepared, and their relations and friends 
think they are prepared. They must know something 
that I have known. Sometimes in the night I felt low, 
that I had no one to speak to, but I endeavour to bear 
it." I asked if he was pleased to see me ? He answered, 
"I am now, and always pleased, night or day." He 
wondered his friends had not been to see him. I told 
him I had not given a very bad account of him. He 
said, "It's no use to mince the matter ; I have never 
had such an illness before, to seem so near the close ; 
my poor tongue," &c. I asked if he wanted to see my 
husband, who was from home ? "Of course I do ; 
George knows I want him to be with me at the close." 

From that time I was with him night and day, with 
little exception (notwithstanding we had obtained a 
nurse), and the next evening my husband came, and 
also remained until the close. We all felt it a great 
privilege to wait on him. The calm, peaceful serenity 
which had been his portion through life, was doubly 
present now, and the feeling inspired in the hearts of 
all who were with him was, oh ! that their latter end 
might be like his ! 

On hearing a letter read one day, he said, " So much 
about outward enjoyments, and nothing about the inward 
life; so much living in outward gratification,, feeding 
and encouraging the earthly mind. It's one thing to 
talk about being prepared, but another to be prepared. 



34 

There's an inward guidance for us all ; we all know 
when we have not done what is right, and what we ought 
to do." " Let us try and be cheery ; we have known 
the Truth, and we love the Truth, and we know what 
the Truth is ; and the more we know of it, the more we 
see the beauty and excellency of it." " How people 
can settle down as they do in the world ! " 

After the complaint seemed giving way, and his tongue 
beginning to clear, and our drooping hopes to revive, he 
said, " I like to look at your countenances ; it may not 
be long we shall look upon one another. I don't think 
you know how ill and weak I am." He wanted my hus- 
band to sit down with me by him, and said, "I have 
always loved quiet ; I enjoy it. I think we are alike for 
that, George and I. It's not in the much talking. When 
I was in the womb, the Lord had regard to me ; in my 
cradle He was my loving Father, my loving Saviour. I 
should wish my interment conducted in great simplicity ; 
no show ; no brass on the coffin. I hope you will have a 
nice opportunity after tea of waiting on the Lord ! " 
" I have so many kind nurses ; your attention could not 
be exceeded." 

Two of his nieces coming in, he said, " I hope we 
shall all meet one day to sing the same song. We have 
all of us been preserved from childhood, have we not ? 
I dare say we have all fallen short of our duty, but what 
is past cannot be recalled, and the future is hidden from 
us — the present time only is ours. We have all a great 
work to do ; we must know the New Birth." My aunt, 
E. P. C, coming in soon after, he said to her, " I never 
could put up with anything superficial. It is an inward 
work. I have loved the Truth from a child. I have 
known what true Quakerism is. I have loved the Truth 
as it is in Jesus. Mine has been a close walk with the 



35 

Saviour. I have suffered much, according to my mea- 
sure, at the state of our Society. There mnst be such 
a people. It's not what we profess, it's the Principle ; 
it's nothing outward that will do. I was recorded a 
minister in 1818. Nearly all that knew me at that time 
are gone. I have known in my life so very many in our 
Society of the excellent of the earth ; yes, the excellent of 
the earth. Many now have made mistakes of one kind or 
another, and gone more or less into the world." "I do 
not see how we can be right unless we dwell in love ; " 
then quoting some texts on love, said, " How very 
beautiful the Scriptures are ! The Spirit of the Saviour 
is all love, gentleness, compassion. If we are on the 
Rock we are in love, peace, gentleness, and joy in be- 
lieving." 

" Arrayed in robes of purest white 

The crown immortal wears ; 
And numbered with the saints in light, 

The palm of victory bears." 

" That's when we're gone." 

He fondly recognised each face, saying, "What a 
favour it is I can see so clear !" 

In the evening he said, " The prophet Ezekiel, what 
a wonderful man he was ! If ever I get at the Scrip- 
tures again, how doubly I shall value them ! " The next 
day, remaining in a critical state, he was cautioned not 
to talk much. He replied, "I don't want to talk. I 
don't want to hear what is passing. Wait and see if I 
get better. I seem to have nothing to do with the 
world. To know you are all near me, and caring for 
me!" 

In the afternoon, being alone with him, I heard him 
praying in a low voice ; but not being near, could only 
hear it in broken sentences, " how unworthy, how 



36 

unfaithfully I have served Thee * * * all my sins 
are forgiven through Jesus Christ * * * If it be 
Thy will, oh ! Heavenly Father, to spare me a little 
longer, I trust my heart * * * or be with me in the 
last extremity and support." The next evening I heard 
him again, and these were the words, " Thou knowest, 
oh ! Lord, how poor and weak I am brought, but hitherto 
Thy Hand has sustained me, and I believe the ever- 
lasting arms will be underneath, and I believe Thou canst 
raise me up if it be Thy will. — I thank Thee that I do 
not suffer great pain. And to think my little grandson 
is so kept ; dear boy, I do love him ! " 

My husband's mother coming in, he said, "My dear 
love to her ; I'm too weak to talk ; so many kind friends ! " 
She replied, " And One kinder than all." He said, 
" Oh ! yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes." 

He said to me one day, " I don't want the meeting 
to say anything about me ; my life has been my testi- 
mony." 

One day when the doctor was here, my father said, 
" 1 know him well, and feel him like a brother. I be- 
lieve he will do his best for me." The doctor answered, 
" And you are doing the best for yourself by your quiet, 
passive conduct." Father replied, "I always have de- 
sired to dwell in the sweetness and gentleness of the 
Saviour's spirit." 

He said, " I think it will be a miracle if I am raised 
up again; but miracles have not ceased. The Lord 
could raise me up." He also said several days back, 
that if he recovered he did not wish " there should be a 
great deal of talk about illness, but rather dwell on the 
mercy of recovery, and talk of better things." " I have 
thought if my life was spared, I should like to pen a 
little how sweetly I was visited from a child." 



37 

In the night I was awoke by his melodious voice 
in wrestling prayer on his own account, concluding with 
" And oh ! that my darling boy may be kept as we de- 
sire him to be kept while his mother is away." Soon 
after he said, "I don't want to hear any more about 
houses made with men's hands," referring to that ex- 
pression in an epistle " a House in the Heavens." The 
next morning, after giving directions about some of his 
things, he wished to be quiet ; and then turning the 8th 
and 9th verses of the 55th of Isaiah into a prayer, 
offered an humble supplication for the light of the Lord's 
countenance and presence. 

He had become so weak, he often felt unable to talk ; 
and one day said, "I don't think it likely I can be 
raised up. I would not have you look to it." 

One who came in said she hoped he had a bright 
prospect either way ? He nodded yes, saying, " It 
would be a sad thing if it were not so, would it not ? " 

Once when we were giving him something, he said, 
*' How everything is provided ! Even the sparrows are 
not forgotten." 

One day he said to one who was attending on him, 
" If I get about again, I hope I should be even more 
careful of my walk. " Set a watch, oh ! Lord, before 
my mouth; keep the door of my lips." " Let the 
words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be 
acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord, my strength and my 
Redeemer." 

About eight days before the close he began to suffer 
with such intense exhaustion, as though he could not hold 
out longer, and asked the doctor if it would not be better 
to let him pass away undisturbed, desiring we might be 
quiet, and we should see when he passed away. For 
one day and two nights we kept much upon the watch, 



38 

his end seemed so near ; but again he revived to our 
great consolation for six days more. It was during this 
two days when he could swallow nothing, except a little 
grape juice part of the time, when his departure seemed 
so near, that a friend came down from London to see 
him, to whom he said, " This is a proving time ; it is 
wonderful how I have been supported ; " and related 
some incidents in his life, adding, " I don't want the 
meeting to say anything about me. I have been a poor 
unworthy servant, but I believe I often divided the word 
aright." Another friend came in, and remarked, "It 
is a reality." Father replied, " Yes, I have often told 
Friends that nothing short of the reality, nothing short 
of the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
will do in a dying hour." 

He wished his love to be given to all his relatives and 
friends, particularly to all the friends belonging to 
Croydon Meeting. 

After the second night's anxious watching above re- 
ferred to, he said, "I see so clear, it seems almost as if 
I could read." He was asked if he would like to hear a 
Psalm read ? He replied, " The Lord is my Shepherd, 
I have not wanted; " soon after added, " If you like to 
sit down and read a Psalm." Upon which we all sat 
down, and the book was given to me. Father said, 
" The floods have lifted up." While I was finding the 
xciii, he raised his voice, and said, " The Lord on high 
is mightier than the noise of many waters." Having 
read that short psalm, he said, "He shall cover thee 
with His feathers," upon which I read the xci. Then 
he repeated the two first verses of ciii, and said, " I 
hope you will often read the 103rd Psalm, it is bo 
beautiful." 

After this he said, " Some will be sorry at my 



39 

removal ; but there will be other ministers raised up ; 
there must be such a people." " God is love, and he that 
dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him ; we 
dwell in love, and we dwell in God." " How true it is 
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is 
stayed on Thee, because — because — because — he trusteth 
in Thee." 

In the afternoon my child was brought for the last 
time to see him, and he would have the young woman 
in to acknowledge her kind care over him in my absence. 
Then I heard him in a sweet voice say, 

" Oh ! God, Thou moves in a mysterious way, 
Thy wonders to perform," — 

I then went near, and when he saw me he said, " I 

want to say, — ■ 

" Thou, oh God ! moves in a mysterious way, 
Thy wonders to perform, 
Thou plants Thy footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm." 

I should like to say it all, but am not able." 

He said he hoped dear mother would not sit down and 
mourn, and that I should not fret, adding, " Thou wilt 
be supported ; it will be a cause of rejoicing when I am 
gone. I hope this will long be an open house for you 
and your mother on first days." 

Four days before the close, two of his oldest friends 
came a long distance to visit him. To them he said, 
"lam not altered ; I am a true Quaker, a true Friend ; 
there must be a living people ; there must be such a 
people. Ah ! they have slidden off the foundation, and 
are building on the sand, and they will find it so when 
it is too late. I have been preserved in patience. I 



40 

have fought a good fight, according to my measure. 
I have fought a good fight with the measure of grace 
bestowed. I have been helped to keep the faith in Him, 
who for the joy that was set before Him endured the 
cross ; yes, endured the cross." 

They told him he had been a father in the Truth to 
them, and that they loved him for the Truth's sake — 
that they met in the Truth. Father replied, " Yes, and 
we lived in the Truth ; we walked in the Truth. Many 
a little one in secret have I cherished ; oh ! yes, you 
know all about me." "I feel nothing but love to all — love 
to all. I swim in the ocean of love. The everlasting 
Arms are underneath." 

" Dear Lydia and John ! (Barclay.) I did love them 
so dearly; they were very near and dear to me. I 
always remember the day he died ; and precious Anna 
Thorne died the same day. It was like mother and son 
going to Heaven together." 

They expressed the hope of seeing him again, if con- 
sistent with the Lord's will. Father said, " Everything 
is in that. I always desire everything, if consistent with 
His holy will." 

One of them said, " He that was thy morning light 
is now thy evening song." Father assented to that, 
and said, " He was my light in my childhood. I have 
loved the Lord from a child, and my Saviour has loved 
me — from my boyhood — all my life. A great age, in my 
eighty-fifth year." 

From that time his weakness was so very great, 
he said but little. He, however, never once, that I 
heard, expressed anxiety to be gone, as he had the pre- 
vious week. Now and then humbly appealed to his 
Heavenly Father that he knew how weak he was ; and 
the last afternoon said he hoped patience would hold 



41 

out; and seeing George's mother, who came to sit 
quietly in the room, in a low voice signified his pleasure 
"to have us all near him." 

His weakness increased greatly, but he was able to 
speak almost to the last, never losing consciousness, 
and passed away very gently, according to his petition, 
that the Lord would be " with him in the last extremity 
and support ; " and truly as He was with my father, 
He also condescended to be with us in the unspeakable 
trial of parting with -one so dear. And sincerely do I 
bless and praise Him for His gracious dealings with my 
beloved parent, and for His loving-kindness in granting 
the fervent desire of my heart, to be permitted to be 
with him whenever his call should come. 

Then let it be an incitement to us all to cleave with 
fuller purpose of heart to the Lord, whose goodness to us 
far exceeds our devotedness to Him, and who can fulfil 
His promise when least expected and least deserved, 
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with 
thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow 
thee ; and when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt 
not be burned." 

The interment took place the week following in the 
Friends' burial-ground at Croydon Meeting House — 
when a large company assembled, the weather being 
fine, and it was a solemn and instructive occasion. 

P. Pitt. 



42 

The following unlooked-for testimony (inserted by 
permission,) was received the day before the interment, 
from the writer, who was unable to be present with us 
on that occasion : — 

A few words of Testimony concerning my beloved and ever 
sympathising Friend, the late John Finch Marsh ; who died 
at Croydon on the 7th of 10th mo., 1873 ; aged 84 years. 

"And of Zion it shall be said, 
. . " This Man was born there ; " 
That Jerusalem which is from above 
Was Mother unto him : 
Whose peace he prayed for, 
And true weal he sought, 
From childhood to old age : 
In labours and in love abundant. 
A simple character, sweet, solid, and sincere ; 
Enlarged and beautified by grace, 
And heavenly-mindedness ; 
Abounding in the love of God, 
And in the Spirit of Christ Jesus, 
His Lord and Saviour. 

In joy of hope ; — blest confidence of faith ; — 

Reverence, humility, and godly fear ; — 

In tribulations patient, and to Truth sincere, 

He lived : and so he died : 

Reposing in that Name, 

Than which, no other saves, — 

Jesus Immanuel ! 

D. P. 



EXTRACTS FROM SOME OF HIS LETTERS. 



Ipswich, 9th Mo., 1811. 
When made alive to a sense of that which is really- 
good, is it not then that the Enemy of the souls' sal- 
vation endeavours to entangle the feet of our poor 
minds, and with his subtle persuasions deceives us, so 
that if we are not constantly on our watch, there is great 
danger of our slipping aside ; but if we are willing to 
come under the forming hand of the Lord, willing to 
be made what he would have us to be, waiting from 
season to season to know his will concerning us, that we 
may yield simple obedience to all his requirings made 
known to us in the secret of the soul ; — if we are found 
thus faithfully following on to know the Lord in the way 
of his leadings, we shall assuredly know a being clothed 
with the armour of his righteousness, and have for a 
shield of defence, his salvation; thus shall we be enabled 
to withstand the fiery darts of the wicked one, and 
overcome him in all his assaults. 



To his friend Hannah Evans. 

Ipswich, 10th Mo., 1811. 

Ah my dear friend, how is my heart, yea all that is 

within me made to rejoice, when I see or hear of any of 

my young friends shewing themselves to be the disciples 



44 

of Christ, by taking up the cross daily and following 
him. that the number of these may daily and hourly 
increase, is the sincere desire of my soul. 

I was delighted with that portion of thy letter where 
thou says, "there are some in this city who have parted 
with considerable of this world's gratifications to get on 
in their journey." May none of us who are making a 
profession of religion fall short of the power thereof, 
but may we be diligent in the examining individually 
ourselves, in order to know how the work of religion 
goes on in our hearts ; whether the day's work keeps 
pace with the day. Eeligion being an every day work, 
does not, will not allow any of us to remain idle ; so that 
if we are truly desirous of making happy progress 
therein, we must not neglect to retire inwardly and 
examine ourselves. I often think of these words of 
the Psalmist, " Commune with your own heart upon 
your bed, and be still," and wish it was more my prac- 
tice than it is ; sensible how necessary it is for us all 
daily to examine ourselves, — to cast up our accounts and 
see how they stand between God and our immortal 
souls. 



To his Cousin Joseph M . 

Ipswich, 12th Mo., 1811. 
Dear Joseph, 

On looking a little with an eye of concern at the 
situation in which thou art, perhaps, unavoidably placed, 
and considering how exposed a one it is, particularly for 
young persons, — I have been a little thoughtful for thee, 
with sincere desires for thy spiritual welfare, that thou 
mayest be preserved from the many temptations that 
may continually be presented to thee from the different 



45 

companies thou art in ; but remember it is no sin to be 
tempted, the sin lieth in yielding to the tempter. No 
doubt thou feels at times the delicacy of thy situation, 
when, after the business of the day is over, thou retires 
to some Inn, where I expect thou generally meets with 
other travellers, and perhaps it is customary to take 
your refreshments together. Now it may be seldom 
thou meets on thy journey with a traveller that is a 
member of our society, so that being a good deal shut 
out from the company of Friends, thou may, if not very 
watchful, be drawn by degrees from that simplicity 
which I trust thou desires to walk in — even that sweet 
simplicity whieh Truth leads its followers into. Be 
concerned then, dear cousin, continually to watch over 
thyself, — watch over all thy thoughts, words, and actions, 
sincerely desiring that what thou does, it may be to the 
glory of God. Now suffer me affectionately to advise 
thee to be particularly careful in the ordering of thy 
conversation, loving to use plainness of speech and 
behaviour towards all men, keeping much silence ; and 
then I believe thou wilt be favoured more clearly to 
behold the beauty of that simplicity, which all who walk 
in the path and way of self-denial rejoice in. Well may 
we rejoice in that which preserves us from following or 
seeking after the fashions, customs, and manners of the 
world, — well may we rejoice in those things which are 
truly excellent and lead to peace : " The ways of the 
Lord are ways of pleasantness, and all his paths are 
peace." I now feel desirous of reviving in thy remem- 
brance, the sweet counsel thou received from thy dear 
mother, the evening previous to thy setting off on a jour- 
ney of business into the west of England, in 1st mo., 
1810, and may tell thee the desire of my mind then was, 
that thou might frequently call to mind her words, in 



46 

that exposed situation of life ; and it is now my sincere 
desire that what I have written may prove acceptable ; 
and should what I write in the least degree encourage 
thee to persevere in the path of true humility, my end is 
answered. Be concerned to dwell low, for in the valley 
of humility there is peace and safety. 

I think before I draw to a conclusion I shall feel most 
easy to say, Be diligent in attending meetings. It may 
so happen sometimes, when on thy journeys, that thou 
cannot reach a meeting on first day, yet I trust thy en- 
deavours to spend thy first days among Friends is not 
small; but I feel desirous to say, Labour to attend meet- 
ings often ; think it no hardship at times to ride a few 
miles out of thy way for that purpose ; also on a week 
day thou wilt not find thy time so spent to be lost, but 
on the contrary, if thy endeavours are sincere, thou wilt 
feel these seasons to be refreshing, and often cause to 
acknowledge it was good for thee, thy being there. 
"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall 
strengthen thy heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." 

I have not written this letter with a view to discourage 
thee at all in thy situation, only considering it to be more 
exposed than most, felt desirous of saying for thy en- 
couragement thus much — Keep thy proper place, let thy 
conduct at all times be exemplary, remembering example 
speaks louder than words ; then I believe, dear cousin, 
tbou wilt be of service in encouraging others to persevere 
in the path of wisdom and virtue. "With dear love, I 
remain thy affectionate cousin, 

J. F. Marsh. 



47 

To his cousin Hannah Morris. 

I was much pleased with that part of thy letter where 
thou reverted to those days of our childhood which we 
were favoured to spend together, when in the simplicity 
of our minds, which were tenderly and preciously visited 
with the overshado wings of Divine love, we were led to 
delight ourselves in the most profitable way of retire- 
ment ; that of sitting together in silence, or as we used 
to call it, and as I think it may be said, holding a 
meeting. 

Those days we spent together, and those hours thus 
happily spent were made precious to us ; the recollection 
of which will I think at all times prove profitable and 
instructive to our minds. I believe had I cherished 
more the tender impressions then made on my mind, — 
had I been more faithful in attending to the pointings 
of truth in my inward parts, as I grew in years, I should 
at the present day have experienced a greater progress 
in my spiritual journey than at this season is the case. 

Deptford, 1st day evening, 6th mo. 27th, 1813. 



To his friend Joseph Messer. 

Colchester, 11th Mo., 1818. 
My dear Joseph, 

Thou hast been the frequent companion of my 
thoughts by day, and at night on my bed have I remem- 
bered thee, and am thankful in continuing to have that 
feeling respecting thee, which when writing to thee 
before, think I expressed it was my desire to experience 
an increase of ; a feeling which language can but faintly 
express, it being better felt than described in words or 
wiiting; yet by endeavouring sometimes to express 



48 

something of this inward feeling, it not only affords 
relief and satisfaction to the mind or minds thus exer- 
cised, but often is permitted to afford encouragement, 
and prove a strength to those on whose account the 
heart is thus feelingly engaged ; which while it breathes 
in secret for its own preservation, a language like that 
of David when he said, " Let the words of my mouth, 
and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy 
sight, Lord, my strength and my Kedeemer," it also 
craves the preservation of others, and that the same 
language may in sincerity be theirs, yea, the daily desire 
of each of our hearts to be enabled so carefully to watch 
over our thoughts, words and actions, that what we 
think, speak, and do, may be to the glory of God. If 
this, my beloved young friend, be our happy experience, 
we shall exceedingly rejoice in being preserved in his fear. 

How animating and encouraging is the language, 
" Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me ; and to him that 
ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the sal- 
vation of God." 

Let us then be encouraged to become increasingly 
watchful and serious ; for I do believe the more this 
becomes our experience, the more cheerful we shall feel 
in ourselves, and liberty to be so with others ; and let 
us not be ashamed when we do not feel at liberty for 
conversation, to sit silently before men ; for it is some- 
times the case when in company, we feel ourselves so 
shut up as not to be able to enter much into conver- 
sation ; and this may sometimes happen when we feel 
desirous to be conversant and to appear more cheerful. 
It may then be painful to us thus to appear, and difficult 
to withdraw ourselves from company, yet I think it 
profitable for us thus to feel, and that this stripped 
state is wisely ordered, not only for our own instruction, 



49 

but also for the instruction of others. Such is at times 
the low stripped state of my mind, that I am more fit 
to be in the fields, or my chamber alone, than in com- 
pany. The words of the prophet Jeremiah have been 
remembered by me, and think from degree of experience 
I may speak the same language. 

"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his 
youth. He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because 
he hath borne it upon him. He putteth his mouth in 
the dust, if so be there may be hope." I do not under- 
stand this sitting alone and keeping silence, to be ex- 
pressive of anything gloomy. No, no. But of sweet 
profitable retirement, wherein the mind becomes more 
and more weaned from earthly things, and inwardly 
seeks those that are heavenly ; for nothing short of that 
which is of a pure and heavenly nature can satisfy the 
waiting mind. It is good for the sons and daughters 
of men to sit much alone, keeping silence ; and for 
some of us frequently to sit solitary in families. Now 
my dear Joseph, to endeavour to express a little more 
of the feeling I have had on thy account, as mentioned 
in the early part of my letter ; what if I say it seems to 
be accompanied with the belief that if thou faithfully 
attend to the pointings of truth in thy inward parts, 
minding the day of little things, of apparently small 
requirings, if thou art willing to bow with fear and 
humility under the forming hand of the Lord, fully 
resigning thyself wholly to his disposal, sincerely 
desiring to become what he would have thee to be ; if 
thou stand faithful in all things, he would prepare and 
qualify thee for a labourer in his vineyard, in which 
there would be found employment for all, if there was 
but a willingness to enter in when the invitation is 
given ; a willingness to obey the call. Though all are 



50 

not made use of in the same way, yet there is something 
for each one to do ; and happy are they who humhly 
and patiently wait to know the Master's will, and faith- 
fully obey it. Their reward is indeed sweet peace of 
mind. 

I sincerely hope to do no harm, or hurt thee in the 
least degree by thus writing ; but I trust thou can 
clearly understand me, and see that I long to encourage 
thee to be faithful in that which appears to be required 
at thy hands, to mind and walk in that path clearly 
marked out for thee to walk in, whether it may be in 
a silent or a more public one. Far be it from me to 
say anything that would tend to bring forth anything 
like unripe fruit, or keep back that which is already ripe. 
How different is the feeling attending the mind after 
anything done in the will, &c, of the creature, from that 
which is done in apprehending it to be a divine requir- 
ing. The reward of the latter is sweet peaceful quiet 
of mind. My mind has been at times sweetly impressed 
and instructed with this language; ''Except the Lord 
build the house, they labour in vain that build it : ex- 
cept the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but 
in vain." 



To his wife, while visiting her mother at Tottenham, 
for a few days. 

142, Whitechapel, 2nd of 9th Mo., 1819. 
My dear Hannah, 

* * * * I wish thee to partake as largely of 
the refreshing breezes, by walking out, as thy strength 
will allow. How much I should enjoy to share them 
with thee : even here the air is very reviving, mornings 
and evenings cool and bracing. Dont be too anxious 



51 

about nie, so as to interrupt any intervals of retirement, 
or moments of peaceful quiet that may be afforded for 
instruction, and the renewal of thy spiritual strength. 

It will be comforting to thee to know that yesterday 
was a cheering day in two senses. In the morning, 
little or nothing to do in the shop, but my mind per- 
mitted to enjoy a feeling of sweet quiet, free from 
anxiety. Such seasons are indeed favoured ones, and 
ought to be rightly valued and improved by us : — sea- 
sons wherein the mind may be rightly encouraged, 
strengthened, and afresh animated to hold on our way 
in the path of required duty, and lay hold of the con- 
soling language, " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
whose mind is stayed on thee ; because he trusteth in 
thee." In the afternoon and evening had a succession of 
customers, which rendered the afternoon scene very 
lively. 



Croydon, 31st of 7th Mo., 1834. 
My beloved daughter Hannah, 

Thy recent welcome letters have been com- 
forting and interesting to us, and much do we hope 
thou may continue to derive benefit from the privileged 
opportunity of being under the very kind care of thy 
aunt E. Whitehead. It is pleasant to us to believe 
thou art sensible of thy many advantages, and that the 
secret desire lives in thy heart to be made thankful and 
grateful therefor, and that there is at times (and oh ! 
may it be daily, yea hourly) a feeling after strength and 
ability to be a very good girl ; this is what thy beloved 
parents so much crave for thee and thy sister, and if 
happily with increasing days or years, this endeavour to 



52 

be good becomes your favoured experience, and we 
favoured to be spared to you, our hearts would from 
time to time have abundant occasion to feel thankful 
unto our Heavenly Father, for this His rich blessing, 
yea, to leap within us for very joy. What a choice gift 
to be endowed with, is a grateful spirit, a thankful, 
humble heart and mind ; and how needful it is that we 
watch and cherish the tender buddings thereof, espe- 
cially in very early life, for none can be too young, or 
begin too soon to be made sensible of how much we owe, 
and are indebted unto Him who created us ; and to be 
led very frequently in a similar enquiry with that of the 
Psalmist, " What shall I render unto the Lord for all 
his benefits towards me?" 



Croydon, 23rd of 3rd Mo., 1839. 
My beloved Priscilla, 

As thy dear mother and sister will now be 
writing, I seem to have little more to pen than the 
insertion of my very dear love, which I do in this way, 
hoping it may meet thee well, and comfortable and 
happy, and in the continued endeavour to be a good 
girl [at school] . Remember it is a favourite motto of 
mine, " To be good is to be happy," and I trust it is 
also of my dear P.'s, and that she does at -times strive 
her very best to be so, and that good desires are often 
raised in thy mind; may these be strengthened and 
encouraged ; and in proportion, my dear girl, as thou 
keeps near to, and makes way for, that which visits in 
secret, reproving for that which is evil, and inclining to 
that which is good, wilt thou come to experience pre- 
servation on every hand, and strength to overcome and 



53 

resist temptation, and know thy heart to be made clean, 
and to be kept clean, by continually living in the divine 
fear — the fear to offend thy Heavenly Father in thought, 
word, or deed. 

" Grace is a plant where'er it grows, 
Of pure and heavenly root ; 
But fairest in the youngest shews 
And yields the sweetest fruit." 



To a Friend. 

11th Mo. 1837. 
Thou continues to have a place in our affectionate 
remembrance, and we trust the feeling of love and sym- 
pathy still flows toward thee as one of the true mourners, 
and may we not say tribulated followers of the Lamb, 
and of which blessed company we desire to be counted 
worthy to be numbered ; and to whom the language of 
the dear Redeemer may be not unfrequently applicable, 
for their encouragement and strengthening — " Fear not, 
little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give 
you the kingdom." Ah ! it is indeed a day and time 
of sadness with many of us who are favoured to see and 
feel the low state of things amongst us as a people ; 
and how can it well be otherwise, if we are rightly led 
into feeling and suffering for and with the suffering 
seed : — but some might be ready to say — Why so cast 
down ? Why go so mourning on your way ? Hope for 
better days, for brighter times. And so I hope we do, 
and are at times enabled to lift up our heads in hope ; 
but we are not prepared, neither have we any desire to 
exchange our mourning for any false joy, but rather 
to seek for ability "in patience to possess our souls," 
and for strength patiently to endure the exercises and 



54 

tribulations of our day ; — not shrinking from suffering, 
but endeavouring to be found in pure resignation, 
standing in our right and proper allotment. 

If this be the engagement of our minds, may we not 
believe, and humbly trust, that preservation will be 
experienced even to a hair's breadth ? What encourage- 
ment then there is for us to continue to hold on our way, 
nothing doubting, — endeavouring in childlike simplicity 
to do in the present strength and ability given, what our 
hands may find to do ; not looking out to others, but 
simply minding and doing our own business. And now, 
dear friend, it seems with me to say, (and as time is 
swiftly passing away) Use all diligence in endeavouring 
to complete the work of thy day. My wish is simply to 
encourage thee to faithfulness in that, which to thy own 
mind, may be made clear ; yet believing the prospect of 
visiting Friends in Ireland has long been before thee, 
and having myself recently returned from that land, 
where I was over ten weeks, I think I may say that 
there is room for such labourers as thyself, and if the 
concern continues to rest weightily with thee, do not 
seek to put it aside : there may be some other few debts 
of love to be paid off in our own land, as an evening 
sacrifice. Dear S. F., of Clonmel, united with me as 
companion in this engagement, a very precious minded 
young man; we were remarkably drawn towards each 
other during our last Y. M., which he attended, though 
we had but little of each other's company, so as to get 
much personal acquaintance ; but a short time before 
my leaving home, I received a letter from him, express- 
ing his feelings as to accompanying me. We met in 
Dublin, and parted there, and on board the packet. — I 
believe his dedication of heart to the work was accepted 
of the Lord, and that it will be blessed to him. We 



55 

were at all the meetings in that nation, with the excep- 
tion of one very small one, (Tullamore,) but we called 
and sat a little time with two young men who reside there. 
In passing along, many were the seasons of proving, of 
conflict, and exercise, yet I trust we were, from time to 
time, made sensible of the renewing and fresh extension 
of heavenly love, and mercifully favoured to experience 
the good Shepherd to be near to comfort, to strengthen 
and support in the time of need. We met with great 
kindness from friends. I am ready to think that, 
perhaps few who have visited that nation, have left more 
with the flowing of love and affectionate desire for their 
present and future happiness than myself. On my 
return home, the feeling of a peaceful poverty and 
quietude of mind has been, and is, my favoured portion. 
Since then, which was on the 5th of last month, I have 
only appeared once in testimony in our own meeting — 
my mind too, since my return, seems at times in 
heaviness under the sense and feeling of the low state 
of things in our own land. ! the mixture, the mixture 
we seem to be in ! — when will this people be redeemed 
from and out of all mixture ? I trust many more shall 
be strengthened and enabled to bear a faithful and noble 
testimony to the preciousness of the truth as it is in 
Jesus. 



30th of 8th Mo., 1838. 
My beloved Friend, S. F. 

Some of us have indeed sustained a great loss in the 
removal of our late dearly beloved Friend and brother 
in the Truth, John Barclay. I seem incapable of setting 
forth his loss, to me, as an individual, whose sweet 



56 

society it was my privilege richly to enjoy for many 
years ; and by whose pious example, watchful deport- 
ment and humble walking, my heart was often deeply 
instructed ; perhaps I go not too far if I say, it was 
impossible (at least one's own fault if it were so) to 
be in his company without being instructed in someway, 
either by his conversation or otherwise. He was one 
with whom I had shared no common intimacy, and 
often did we take sweet counsel together, and walk unto 
the house of the Lord in company ; yea, and knew 
what it was at times " to sit together in heavenly places 
in Christ Jesus." Had I the pen of a ready writer, 
how feelingly might I bear my testimony in writing, * 
to the memory of this beloved brother, similar to the many 
borne by the cotemporaries of Isaac Penington, viz., by 
G-eorge Fox and others, as prefixed to the 1st vol. ofl.P.'s 
works. But oh ! how is the loss made up ! how fully the 
mind satisfied in the consoling belief " that he is well in 
the Lord, and in peace with him through the Lord Jesus 
Christ, — that through redeeming love and mercy he is 
now entered into the joy of his Lord, and into his 
Master's rest." The Church too, how great her loss 
in this our day, by the removal, may I not say, of one 
of her most upright pillars and brightest ornaments. 
What I have written is by no means intended as in any 
way to extol the creature, far otherwise, — but with 
reference to that Power who made him what he was, 
and which same divine Power is at work, and will con- 
tinue to work in the hearts of Thousands. The date of 
thy last letter is memorable as being that on which he 
died, 11th of 5th Mo. having about three days previous 

* My father did afterwards perform this, as may be seen in p. xiii. and 
ix. of the Introduction to the " Selections from the Letters and Papers of 
J. B." 



57 

entered his 42nd year, near the age of the notable 
Apologist [Robert Barclay] , who died also in the 42nd 
year of his age. 



My beloved young friend, W. H. 

How tenderly do I feel for those, who in the day of the 
Lord's power, are made willing to yield obedience to 
his requirings — to bow the neck to the yoke of Christ, 
deny self, take up the cross daily and follow him. And 
how do I desire the safe progress of these, that 
nothing may be permitted to stumble them, or induce 
them to seek an easier way, — " For the way of right- 
eousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no 
death." 



Warwick, 2nd of 12th Mo., 1843. 
My beloved friend, W. M. 

Although I have not earlier acknowledged thy accept- 
able lines, dated the 8th ult., which were forwarded to 
me here in due course, I have not felt the less interested 
about thee, or unmindful of thy important movements in 
prospect. It was comforting to know, and kind of thee 
so early to inform me, that thou wast made willing to 
spread thy concern before Friends, and that thou wast 
so freely liberated by them, believing as I do that it is 
a right concern, a work whereunto the Great Master 
has called thee, and who will, I believe, as faithfulness 
is abode in, strengthen to perform that which He may 
require at thy hands. how great the privilege to be 
employed in His service, and of being in any way made 



58 

use of in the promotion of the cause of truth and 
righteousness in the earth, and what cause of rejoicing 
when a brother here and a brother there is raised up in 
this our low day, who, in the day of the Lord's power, 
are made willing and obedient in answering His call, 
resigning their hearts to follow on to know Him in the 
way of His leadings and requirings. then beloved 
friend, may'st thou be strengthened to hold on thy way 
and continue to experience that preservation and safe 
guidance which I believe thou hast hitherto known, and 
which will not be withheld while thou seeks to be kept 
humble and watchful, little and lowly, having thine eye 
single unto the Lord, and thine heart simple, trusting in 
Him, not seeking or wanting great things for thyself, 
but be content with such manifestation of His power 
and strength as He may see best to furnish thee with 
from day to day, and from hour to hour ; thus wilt thou 
be prepared both to do and to suffer His will. 

the need, the especial need there is for those who 
go forth on the Lord's errands, to wait for clearness, to 
know when to speak and when to keep silence, believing 
that the service of the poor instrument is often to 
example in silence. Ah ! this is sometimes humbling 
to the creaturely part that would be active and doing 
something, as well as disappointing to that in some 
whose expectations may be much outward. But do not 
misunderstand me, I would have none keep silence when 
the command is to speak, neither have any to speak 
when commanded to be silent, but would have each one 
wait on their gift, and be careful day by day to use in 
faith, the present offered strength, though at times it 
may seem to be in weakness ; then I believe the strength 
of such will be increased, for true it is that to use 
strength is to gain strength. But why write thus to thee, 



59 

dear William, I am not anticipating thee as one going 
before thy guide, or running without being sent, but to 
one young in the ministry and much favoured of the 
Lord, much desiring in the love I have for thee, and 
the unity I have in the exercise of thy gift, thy safety 
and preservation every way, and that thou mayest indeed 
be valiant for the Truth in this thy day, wholly devoted 
and given up in heart to serve Him who in the riches 
of His love and mercy has given thee to see and follow 
the things that belong to thy peace, and engaged thy 
heart to invite others in His name to come, taste and 
see for themselves, how good He the Lord is. 



Croydon, 7th of 9th Mo. 1846. 

My dear Friend L.W. 

I believe that in writing as well as in speaking, the 
watch is alike needful, that our words be few. Some 
more than others have the talent or gift this way, as well 
as for conversation. I do not consider that I have 
either, but for the most part feel myself to be under the 
restraining influence in these particulars, so that oftener 
than has been the case with me, I believe I ought to 
have sat in company as one dumb, as it were, with silence 
— also in writing I cannot at any time and any how take 
the pen and converse that way. So many are the claims 
on me, that I cannot attempt a continued correspon- 
dence with many that I love and feel interested in, and 
should be glad at times to salute in this way. Yet, 
whether at home or abroad, alone or in company, I trust 
1 am not altogether an idle spectator, or indifferent to 
mark what is passing around me, and especially is my 



60 

mind involved in the feeling of deep interest on account 
of our poor Society, yet still a highly favoured and 
interesting People, notwithstanding our degeneracy. 

In the quietness of the Tent in these troublous times, 
there seems to me peculiar safety ; not that thereby a 
shrinking should be encouraged, from shewing ourselves 
and openly confessing on whose side we are ; but rather 
that in the stillness, in quietness and in confidence, a 
renewal of strength may be experienced — that away 
from the noise, tumult and activity of the people, we 
may the more clearly see and know our own individual 
state and standing, as also to have some clear sense of 
the real state and condition of things, and distinctly 
understand the word of command to us as individuals, 
to do or to leave undone. In this way strength will be 
given us for whatsoever the hand findeth to do ; yea, and 
not only to do, but also to suffer for the precious cause 
sake ; and patience granted to endure with meekness 
such portion of fiery trial as may be permitted to come 
upon us. 

It seems to me especially important that those who 
are given to see and feel deeply the state of things, that 
they keep as it were a double watch over themselves, 
that so they may be preserved from doing anything in 
the haste and zeal of their own spirits, in putting forth 
their hands in the desire to help the good cause, and 
for the bettering of things. But rather may these seek 
in patience to possess their souls. Then I believe 
deliverance will be wrought for them by that same divine 
Power which hath already overturned, and will yet over- 
turn, overturn : and oh ! that it may continue to be so, 
until all that may be comparable to the dross and the 
tin, and the reprobate silver be purely purged away from 
among this people. Ah ! then let us seek to be found 



61 

watchful, minding the stepping stones, then shall we be 
enabled to step more, and act as the needs be for it may 
be seen and felt. 

I think I can, dear friend, a little enter into feeling 
with thee, and with thy dear brothers, under the varied 
conflicts and exercises that attend your path. I believe 
it is not all that can understand you, nor how it is that 
you should seem to be so led in this and the other par- 
ticular. Yet it is not for you to be perplexed in mind 
as to what may be said and thought about you by others, 
but your present and future duty and business is, in 
simplicity and faith, to obey that still small voice which 
intelligibly speaks in your hearts, saying " Follow me." 
May you each be strengthened to obey its gentle leadings 
and guidings in all things. 



To E. M. 

Tt is good to consider and feel ourselves only as day 
labourers, — as those who must give an account for the 
work of each day, and for the right occupation of the 
gift of Time. Surely the due consideration of this is 
calculated to lead to the feeling of the importance of 
doing the day's work in the day-time, and of spending 
each day as though it were to be our last day. So 
should we experience a sweet and wholesome rest both to 
mind and body, realizing spiritually and naturally the 
scripture text, " The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, 
whether he eat little or much." Also when the head is 
resting on the pillow at night, how precious to feel the 
language of the heart to be on this wise, " I will both 
lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou Lord only 
makest me to dwell in safety." While thus writing, I 



62 

am sensible of many snort-comings, and far from rank- 
ing myself among the number of the diligent labourers ; 
yet I trust a willingness attends my mind to do that 
little my feeble hands may find to do, and the desire to 
be strengthened both to do and to suffer the will of our 
Heavenly Father. We may also be instructed and 
treasure up as a profitable watchword, the belief that 
" They also serve who only stand and wait." 



Croydon, 20th of 11th Mo., 1849. 
My beloved Friend, 

Thy acceptable few lines dated the 28th ultimo, came 
duly to hand, and very pleasant was it to my feelings to 
be so held in affectionate remembrance. Our love is 
mutual, and whether it be evinced more or less in the 
way of outward communications, we shall, I trust, be as 
epistles written in each other's hearts. We read that in 
ancient days " They that feared the Lord spake often 
one to another," and so it is now, that His children and 
people who love and fear Him, and that think upon His 
name, speak often one to the other ; and great is the 
privilege and blessing when such are so situated and 
circumstanced as frequently to associate together in 
heavenly converse ; and when it is otherwise with them, 
so as that they may seldom see each other face to face, 
yet are they brought inwardly near, and led in spirit to 
salute each other as fellow pilgrims in the tribulated 
way, as disciples of the same Lord, as servants of the 
same Master. These having enlisted under His banner, 
the Captain of their salvation ; having given their hearts 
to serve the Lord, are led from one degree of strength 
to another ; yea, led on conquering and to conquer, — so 



that they have again and again to acknowledge and say, 
" The right hand of the Lord is exalted, the right hand 
of the Lord doeth valiantly." 

Mayest thou my beloved brother be strengthened and 
encouraged to hold on thy way, in that path and way 
cast up for thee to walk in, and in which through mercy 
thou hast been enabled to take some straight and safe 
steps ; may nothing impede or interrupt thy progress 
therein, nothing move thee from the stedfastness of thy 
faith in Christ, and the simplicity of the truth as it is in him. 
Let neither the fear, nor the praise of man be a means 
of prevention to thy standing firm in thy allotment, and 
filling that rank in righteousness designed for thee, — 
being unmoveable, mayest thou according to thy measure 
be found, always abounding in the work of the Lord. — 
Ah ! be not afraid or ashamed to appear singular when 
the needs be calls for it, — when it is needful to stand 
with boldness for the cause of Truth. 



Croydon, 5th of 8th Mo., 1850. 
My beloved Friend, K. B. B. 

Love is indeed the badge of discipleship, and how 
strengthening are the words of our blessed Saviour, 
" By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 
if ye have love one to another." And again, the testi- 
mony of a beloved Apostle, " We know that we have 
passed from death unto life, because we love the 
brethren." Ah how precious is that love which flows 
one towards the other in the hearts of those who love 
the Lord Jesus in sincerity. How sweet the fellowship 
those enjoy who seek to follow Him in the regeneration, 
and walk in newness of life ; who by obedience to the 



64 

teachings of His grace and good Spirit, evidence that 
they do aspire after unsullied purity of life, — these as 
they keep near to, and follow the pure leadings of Truth, 
are given to see eye to eye, and understand what it is 
to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing, — 
these hold sweet communion in spirit together, being 
also permitted at times to sit together as in heavenly 
places in Christ Jesus, — then- minds thus clothed with 
love and sweetness, they cannot well do other than 
endeavour to encourage one another to persevere on 
their pilgrimage journey, for out of the abundance of 
the heart the mouth speaketh forth the praises of Him 
who hath called, and in mercy still calls out of darkness 
into His marvellous light ; and in the overflowing of their 
cup, and under the constraining influence of His love, 
are engaged to invite others to come, taste and see that 
the Lord is good ; and as liberty is felt for it, to tell of 
what He hath done for their souls. 

Thy allusion to our outward parting when I saw thee. 
off in the railway carriage from Croydon, was a comfort 
to me. It was a trial to my feelings, the parting from 
one I so dearly love, especially so, as the time of our 
being together by ourselves was so short and limited, 
that my heart and mind did not get that vent, did not 
obtain that full relief desired. But the excitement, &c. 
of attending a Yearly Meeting, does in measure deprive 
of that quiet enjoyment of the company of one's friends, 
and which those of one heart, and one mind, seem so 
to require. Had time allowed us a season of quiet alone 
before we separated, it might have afforded me some 
relief to have bent the knee in vocal supplication and 
thanksgiving. 



65 

To an acknowledged Minister. 

1854. 
* * * * I think T may further say that mine eye often 
affecteth my heart, in beholding how for the most part, the 
children of this people turn aside, apparently slighting 
their many privileges ; and how especially does it appear 
amongst the children of those in the station of Minister 
and Elder ; that when some such are liberated to travel 
on Truth's account, I seem ready to query how 
far their own hands are sufficiently clear of their dear 
children, and of their houses and homes, as to go forth 
on the solemn errand of visiting the Churches, — for surely 
I think the hands of such must feel weakened by their 
dear children, and in many instances by the undue and 
unrestrained liberty they themselves allow in their 
children and families, so as not to be prepared with that 
honesty and acceptance to counsel others in the way of 
the cross, the path of self-denial. I might add more, 
but now conclude, and in that love in which I have 
written, I remain thy affectionate friend, 

John F. Maesh. 



To his Medical Attendant. 

Dear Friend, 

As absence from home prevented my seeing thee when 
thou last called, I am best satisfied to express my feel- 
ing of thankfulness, for thy kind judicious treatment in 
my recent indisposition, which under the Divine blessing 
has been the means of my regaining a comfortable share 
of bodily health and strength. 

I may also say that during thy little visits at my bed- 
side and chamber, the feeling of much brotherly love 



66 

seemed to flow in my heart towards thee ; and in the 
continued feeling thereof my desire is, that if consistent 
with the will of our Heavenly Father, thy useful life 
may be prolonged, not only for the help and relief of 
thy fellow mortals from bodily pain, disease and suffer- 
ing, but especially through submission to the powerful 
operation and workings of saving grace in the secret of 
the heart, thou mayest be made instrumental in winning 
souls to Christ. 

the sweetness and preciousness of the Saviour's love 
shed abroad in the heart, which His believing and 
obedient children do indeed know, yea realize in their 
experience that in His presence is fulness of joy, and 
with the eye of faith are given to see something of those 
pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. 
Then blessed and happy are all those who love His in- 
ward appearing, and obey the teaching of His grace and 
good Spirit in the secret of their hearts, being faithful 
unto death. 

Such as these, when their little day of twelve hours is 
over, are by grace prepared to say, they have fought a 
good fight, have finished their course, and kept the 
faith ; then comes the blessed assurance of obtaining a 
crown of righteousness, laid up for all the faithful 
followers of the Lamb. The nearer these are brought 
to their heavenly home, the more methinks they must 
be clothed with a sense of their own nothingness, and 
un worthiness, and nothing of their own to trust to, Not 
by works of righteousness we (as men and creatures 
have done or can do) but as saith the Apostle, " accord- 
ing to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of re- 
generation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; — which 
he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our 
Saviour;" &c. 



67 

In desire that the Divine blessing may rest upon thee 
and thine. 

I remain, with love affectionately, thy friend, 

John F. Maesh. 



To a Friend. 

In again taking the pen, I seem hardly to know how 
to begin, or how to express or convey the feeling of that 
love which continues to flow in my heart' unabated 
towards thee, and of which I gave thee many a proof 
in our late journeying together in the pure feeling of it. 
This thou well knowest, also the deep interest, and 
tender and affectionate solicitude I have felt and still 
feel for thy best welfare and preservation every way. 
What more can I say than I have already said ? Were 
I now with thee I might say the same thing again and 
again. May what has been communicated be in remem- 
brance for thy strengthening and encouraging, and 
mayst thou hold on thy way, nothing doubting, and 
continue to experience safe stepping. I believe thou 
wilt, as thou keeps near to that Divine power which has 
wrought so marvellously for thee. Ah ! how sweetly is 
the forming and preparing hand of the Lord upon thee ! 
Bow in fear and in humility under it. Oh ! the sweet 
feeling and sense I think I have had of thy favoured 
state and condition, and I long more than I can well 
express, thy encouragement and steady perseverance in 
that path and way cast up for thee to walk in ; and that 
thou mayst be faithful every way, in every thing, and 
every day. I long that nothing may, and I seem to 
have the humble trust, that nothing will be permitted to 
mar or hinder the precious work of grace from going 
forward in thine heart. Then be humble, be watchful, 
be simple, and it will be well with thee. 



68 

To a young Friend. 

Croydon, 13th of 6th mo., 1851. 
Now dear R., in allusion to what thou sayest respect- 
ing the Office of Overseer in your particular meeting, 
how far thou hast done right in declining to accept the 
appointment I leave to thy own feelings, trusting it was 
not done without being duly weighed and considered on 
thy part, — yet for the sake of the precious cause of 
Truth, I could have been glad, and perhaps it might 
have been well, if thou could have yielded in this 
important matter, to the judgment of thy friends, — but 
as I can hardly be supposed to know the peculiar 
circumstances of your monthly meeting, it may be for 
me to rest satisfied in the hope and trust, that for the 
present thou may have done right, and been preserved 
therein. But oh ! the harm that has been done, and 
which does arise from injudicious and wrong appoint- 
ments to different stations in the Church ! What a 
weakness has it brought over a meeting, and what a 
hurt to individuals, when placed by man in a station or 
stations for which the evidence of a fitness is wanting — 
when the evidence is wanting of such being placed there 
by the Great Head of the Church. Therefore, how 
important that those who are rightly qualified, gifted, 
and fitted, should not withdraw their shoulders from 
their appointed work, or through unprofitable diffidence 
and discouragement shrink from any portion of service 
that may fall to their lot. 



To an elderly Friend. 1854. 

My dear Friend, 

In a feeling of that love and sympathy which I trust 
flowed in my heart toward thee when my lot was cast in 



69 

that small island, do I afresh salute thee as one walking 
much alone, having few about thee with whom to hold 
spiritual intercourse — with whom to take sweet counsel, 
and go in company to the house of prayer ; yet blessed 
are they, who, weaned from all creaturely dependence, 
ceasing wholly from man, put their whole trust in the 
Lord alone, seeking daily after a closer and closer walk 
with Him. Such as these do know something of what 
the Psalmist meant when he said " My soul is even as 
a weaned child." How sweet his words professing the 
humility of his mind, " Lord my heart is not haughty, 
nor mine eyes lofty, neither do I exercise myself in 
great matters, or in things too high for me, &c." And 
although such have often to feel their poverty and need, 
yet with the same experienced servant have the inward 
sense and feeling that " the Lord thinketh upon them." 
Surely then it matters not how low we are brought, so 
that we do not cast away our confidence in our low 
seasons, nor the shield of faith as though it had not 
been anointed ; — rather let us seek to lift up the head 
in hope, not suffering our hands to hang down with 
weakness and discouragement ; — but using the little 
strength mercifully afforded from day to day, an in- 
crease thereof will be known, and ability given to press 
forward on our heavenly journey, even toward the mark 
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, 
the author and finisher of our faith. 

I think I can a little understand from the tenor of 
thine, somewhat of thy many discouragements on account 
of the low state of things among the few professing with 
Friends in your little island, as also the low state of 
things among other christian professors. Ah ! truly it 
is a low day as regards the life of religion ; there is so 
much that is superficial, — so much of the worldly spirit 



70 

prevailing with all sorts of professors ; consequently, 
comparatively but little of true spiritual mindedness to 
be met with, that it seems difficult at times to rise above 
the depressing and discouraging feelings that seem 
almost ready to overwhelm. It is sad to find your 
meeting is so much decreased, and in such a state. All 
this I hope will not discourage thee from meeting with 
the very few who assemble there ; no doubt it is heavy, 
and must be so, if there be not an individual engagement 
of heart to draw nigh in spirit unto the Lord, a wrest- 
ling in spirit for the blessing of preservation, and for 
watchfulness unto prayer, — a united exercise, a putting 
as it were, shoulder to shoulder, in order to roll away 
the stone from the well's mouth, that so there might be 
a partaking together of the living stream, a being 
refreshed together at the living spring. The promise 
s and will be verified in the experience of the soul that 
truly waiteth on the Lord, whether few or more in 
number, that "where two or three are gathered together 
in my name, there am I in the midst of them." 

I think I can a little sympathize with the solitary few 
up and down in their small meetings, both when in and 
out of meeting, ready at times to query whether any 
man careth for their soul ? Yet these, as their expecta- 
tion is from the Lord alone, know that He not only 
thinketh upon, but also careth for them, and in His own 
time lifts up the light of His countenance upon them. 



To 

Croydon, 18th of 10th Mo., 1854. 

Use strength, gain strength — seems to me a profitable 

watchword, and sometimes we may be reminded that 

the strength of ability often, is not fully known till 



71 

tried. But why do I write thus, my brother? Not 
that thou shouldst in any way be led to stir up or awake 
thy Beloved till he please, but rather desire thou mayst 
be preserved from suffering thy mind to sink too low, 
so as to prevent thy doing what thy hands may find 
to do. The watch in this particular is well for us 
to observe. How encouraging the words "The 
Lord preserveth the simple. I was brought low and 
he helped me." And where much is given, much is 
required, and where less is given, less is required. 



To a friend in Ireland. 

Croydon, 11th of 12th Mo., 1856. 
I have often mentally saluted thee as a brother 
beloved in the Lord, with best desires for thy 
strengthening and encouraging in the way cast up 
for thee, — that nothing may be suffered to mar the 
good work begun in thy heart ; but that by submission 
to the power of Divine grace, thou mayst grow therein, 
going on from one degree of it to another, and by 
deepening in the root of life, bring forth fruit abundantly 
to the praise of Him who has done so much for thee. 
Let there be no shrinking on thy part from those need- 
ful prunings and purgings essential to a true growth, 
remembering that He who declared himself to be the 
true Vine, and his Father the Husbandman, also saith, 
"Every branch in me that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, 
that it may bring forth more fruit." Thus mayst thou 
become fruitful in the field of offering, and joyful in the 
house of prayer. Oh ! the baptisms needful to be 
experienced in order to be qualified to divide the word 
aright ; — and oh ! how great the need of simplicity, and 



72 

a strict walking in the path of self-denial ; — therefore, 
may nothing be counted too near or too dear to be 
parted with, that may be called for at thy hands. Dwell 
deep my brother, in the spirit of thy mind, and keep 
the watch in the light, so mayst thou come to experience 
preservation on every hand, even to the hair's breadth. 



To a younger Friend. 

Croydon, 8th of 8th Mo., 1857. 
My Dear Friend, 

Thy affectionate interesting letter of the 26th ult was 
duly received, and seems to have afresh awakened in my 
mind the feeling of tender sympathy ; as well as cal- 
culated to strengthen the feeling I have so long had res- 
pecting thee, and as so often expressed to thee, even 
the sense of the preciousness of the love of our Heavenly 
Father shed abroad in thy heart, and of His goodness 
and mercy in visiting thy soul with the day-spring from 
on high ; and has He not by the immediate power of 
His Spirit convinced thee of sin ? giving thee indeed to 
feel the truth of the Scripture, that " all have sinned 
and come short of the glory of God ; " consequently 
the need all have of a Saviour and Redeemer. Yes, 
not only convinced thee of sin, but also led thee to deep 
repentance for the same ; and to trust alone to the free 
mercy of God in Jesus Christ for the forgivenesss of thy 
sins. What cause then there is for thee, my brother, to 
magnify the power of that grace by which so great a 
change has been wrought for thee. What an unspeak- 
able mercy to have been brought out of so great darkness 
into the marvellous light of the Lord, — to have been 
delivered from " an evil heart of unbelief," and in lieu 



73 

thereof to have a heart engaged in desire to serve 
the living God ; to have thine eye opened to see of the 
beauty and excellency of the Truth as it is in Jesus, to 
behold those things which make for peace, and 
accompany life and salvation. Ah ! surely when 
humbled under a sense of the goodness and mercy of 
the Lord which has followed, and still follows thee, thy 
heart must be prepared to adopt the language of the 
Psalmist, and say, " Bless the Lord, my soul: and 
all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless 
the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits : 
who forgiveth all thine iniquities : who healeth all thy 
diseases : who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; 
who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender 
mercies." Well, my dear friend, I notice thy allusion to 
the occasion of our last interview, which seems to have 
led thee into deep thoughtfulness and profitable search- 
ing of heart, and I am pleased with thy openness in 
thus communicating with me, and I much hope thy 
mind has not been discouraged from anything I said, — 
far be it from me, on the contrary thou hast proof of 
my much love and affectionate interest, and that my 
heart desires thy strengthening and encouraging in the 
way of holiness, the way cast up for thee to walk in, 
the way of the cross, the path of self denial, the way 
in which the righteous of all ages who have trod, have 
found safety. Then be encouraged to hold on thy way 
in faith, and in faithfulness, casting all thy care and 
confidence in Him who careth for thee, and who is 
continually watching over the workmanship of His 
hands for good, and who, I believe, will never leave nor 
forsake any of those who pnt their whole trust in Him. 
The Lord has indeed done much for thy soul, and may 
I not say given thee to feel that thou lovest much, 



74 

and that to His grace thou art a great debtor ; then 
keep hack no part of the price, — what He requires is 
unreserved obedience and dedication of heart in all 
things. May'st thou then be strengthened to honour 
Him with the first fruits of that spiritual increase with 
which thou mayest be favoured, so will His blessing 
which maketh rich, and to which he addeth no sorrow, be 
increasingly thy portion. My paper is nearly covered, 
and as I hope before long I may be favoured with some 
of thy company again, I may now bid thee affectionately 
farewell, and with dear love 

I remain, thy sincere Friend, 

John F. Maksh. 



Croydon, 21st of 12th Mo., 1858. 
My dear friend J. T., 

I could have liked earlier than this to have responded 
to thy truly comforting and acceptable letter of the 9th 
inst., the unexpected receipt of which, with the perusal 
of it, had a tendering effect on my spirit, and the tear 
seemed ready to flow in the feeling of thankfulness that 
a beloved brother in the distance, yet brought near in 
spirit, was so affectionately drawn forth in the expression 
of sympathy for one who deeply feels the increased and 
increasing low state of things in our beloved Society. 

These are indeed times of sorrowful declension and 
departure in many ways from (may we not say) the 
simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus, — and falling 
away from upholding various precious testimonies, com- 
mitted, as I believe, to us as a people to bear in the face 
of the nations, and before all people ; and for which our 
forefathers in the Truth suffered so much in supporting 



75 

of them; — and which precious testimonies, a remnant, 
through mercy, are yet preserved in a faithful upholding 
of them. It seems to me that the desolating effects of 
the Conference is already felt, and if the recommendation 
of it should be adopted by the Yearly Meeting, will be 
yet more and more seen and felt in a lamentable degree. 
And in the present unsettled state of things, is it likely 
to stop there ? whilst there continues such longing for 
change on the part of the promoters thereof. Alas ! 
alas ! that a disposition should seem prevalent on the 
part of some in the station of Minister, Elder, Overseer, 
&c, to lean to, and yield to the weaknesses of the present 
day. Oh ! that there was more of a preparedness, under 
the humbling sense of our great degeneracy as a people, 
to "Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a 
solemn assembly " — to " Gather the people, sanctify the 
congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, 
and those that suck the breasts, &c." — (see the prophet 
Joel.) But it' seems to me that now-a-days, we as a 
people, in many respects, do not go the way rightly to 
gather the children and people. But perhaps I had 
better check the mournful strain ; we do, I expect, see 
and feel the state of things much alike ; and while our 
spirits may be clothed with mourning and lamentation, 
may we each seek to be preserved from sinking too low, 
or casting away our confidence in low seasons, or the 
shield of faith, — lest in so doing we become weak 
instead of being strong, and thereby prevent ourselves 
from doing that which may be appointed for our hands 
to do. The cause that is so near and dear to us is the 
Lord's, and he will be mindful of and care for his little, 
humble, lowly, dependent ones, — those who feel they 
have no strength or might of their own, and therefore 
are concerned to put their trust under the shadow of his 



76 

wings, for " He giveth power to the faint ; and to them 
that have no might he increaseth strength " — yea, these 
are privileged to be covered with the feathers of his 
love. How sweet is that portion, " He shall cover thee 
with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust, 
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." And again, 
how precious the words of our holy Redeemer, "Fear 
not little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to 
give you the kingdom." 

And with thee, dear J., do I also think the counsel 
given by Him our blessed Saviour, peculiarly suitable 
to some of us in the present day, "In your patience 
possess ye your souls." How important to have daily 
in remembrance the injunction given to " watch and 
pray, that ye enter not into temptation." 



Short Extract of a Letter to a friend. 

Let each of us look to our own standing, — mind our 
own business — our own proper calling — eyeing that 
light which shines on our path ; — not try to meet that 
in others which our spirits cannot unite with, — and in 
some instances enter into things, which, however lawful 
and good in their place, are not expedient for some of us 
to be so busied about, and taken up with. I need not 
particularize. Is it not to be feared that many through 
unwatchfulness, have got out of their pathway — the path 
cast up for them to walk in, and thereby gradually and 
almost imperceptibly to themselves, much drawn away 
from the inward life. In how many ways and shapes 
is the enemy seeking to betray, beguile, lay waste, 
devour, — and how would he scatter and divide, — but 
what a mercy to know and believe that through the 



77 

power of Divine grace we may receive strength to resist 
all his fiery darts, and overcome him in all his assaults. 



Croydon, 11th of 11th Mo., 1862. 
My beloved Friend, 

Although words, whether written or spoken, may not 
be needful to assure thee of my continued love, and 
affectionate remembrance ; yet there are times when I 
feel thee brought so near in spirit, that to have thee 
by my side, that we might commune together on 
heavenly things, would be sweet indeed ; but as that 
can only be (if so permitted) occasionally, we may 
in spirit bear each other in remembrance for good, 
and in desire that we may be preserved on every hand, 
and strengthened to hold on in faith and in 
faithfulness in the way cast up for us, and for all 
who would be followers of the Lamb, to walk in, 
even in the way of the cross, and path of self denial, 
following Him the Lamb of God, which taketh away the 
sin of the world, in the regeneration and newness of 
life. how sweet the heavenly fellowship these enjoy, 
whether present with, or absent from each other ! 
Surely such may understand what was said of some in 
ancient days who feared the Lord, that they spake often 
one to another ; and their conversation and spiritual 
intercourse must have been acceptable in the sight 
of Him whom they feared, as we read, " The Lord 
hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance 
was written before him for them that feared the Lord, 
and that thought upon his name. And they shall be 
mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I 



78 

make up my jewels ; and I will spare theni, as a man 
spareth his own son that serveth him." 

that there was more of this oneness of feeling, and 
unity of spirit, — more of this cementing influence of 
heavenly good experienced amongst us as a people, — 
more of seeing as it were eye to eye, — more of a 
harmonious labouring together for the promotion of the 
precious cause of Truth ! But I need not enlarge on 
the mournful strain. My object in writing now seems 
chiefly to evince afresh my feeling of sympathy for, and 
near unity with thee, my beloved friend and brother ; 
apprehending I am somewhat sensible of the many 
conflicts, provings, and deep baptisms thou hast to 
experience for the sake of the precious cause of Truth ; 
and how, as I . believe, thou hast to suffer from being 
straitened as it were in the exercise of that precious gift 
in the ministry with which I believe thou art entrusted. 
When I say straitened, I mean only on the account 
(not otherwise) of the church not having recognised the 
same, by recording thee as a minister, whereby thou 
art hindered from going forth to visit the churches, to 
which, if my feelings are right, thou hast secret drawings. 
Now thou knowest my brother, how it is with thee in 
this awful particular, and how far it would be well and 
proper for thee to mention something of thy feelings to 
some in the station of Elder ; giving them to feel the 
weight of their responsibility and accountability. 

Perhaps I need scarcely say more, thou art, I think, 
aware how tenderly I have felt for thee, and how 
interested I am in and for thy spiritual welfare every 
way. " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear 
him: and he will show them his covenant." Another 
portion is in remembrance, and which latter I think was 
expressed by thee some years ago in our meeting at 



79 

Croydon, and perhaps the first time of thy appearing 
in that way in meeting, viz, " The righteous Lordloveth 
righteousness ; his countenance doth behold the upright." 



Croydon, 16th of 2nd Mo., 1864. 
My dear friend 

Ann Alexander, 
I have often had in remembrance a sJiort sentence of 
that beloved departed friend Mary Alexander of Kelvedon, 
expressed to me many years ago as she was going out of 
a friend's house at Coggeshall, and just as she passed 
by me near the door, viz, "I love to be loved,'' and 
which few words seemed afresh revived on again 
receiving some of thy messengers of love ; for truly I 
may say I love to be loved, — that is, loved in the Truth, 
and for my love of the Truth, as it is in Jesus ; and to 
be had in remembrance of the faithful, and to feel the 
unity of those whom my spirit can and does salute as 
disciples of the same Lord, and servants of the same 
good Master. And truly my dear friend, thou mayest 
be saluted as of this number, for very conspicuously is 
the badge of discipleship, love, marked or placed on 
thee. How precious are the words of our dear Eedeemer, 
" By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 
if ye have love one to another." — And the Apostle John 
speaks of the love of the brethren as a sign of life, 
" We know that we have passed from death unto life, 
because we love the brethren." When the soul is 
quickened and made alive unto the Lord, precious 
indeed is the feeling of that love which flows in the 
heart towards others ; especially so in the feeling of 
heavenly fellowship towards those who love our Lord 



80 

and Saviour Jesus Christ in sincerity, evidencing their 
love by keeping His commandments, — in obeying the 
teachings of His grace and good Spirit in the secret of 
the heart, — yes, loving His appearing there, and follow- 
ing Him in the regeneration, and walking in newness of 
life. Love and obedience He requireth, — "If ye love 
me, keep my commandments." — Again, " By this we 
know that we love the children of God, when we love 
God, and keep his commandments. For this is the 
love of God, that we keep his commandments ; and his 
commandments are not grievous," &c. I may soon 
conclude, yet not without some fresh remembrance of 
memorable days and months passed under the sheltered 
and peaceful roof of dear M. L. and J. T. S., and 
of the strengthening and encouraging society oft times 
privileged to enjoy of beloved friends then living ; 
but now, long since, thro' redeeming love and mercy, as 
we may reverently believe, sweetly gathered home to 
their eternal rest. So that Ipswich, Woodbridge, 
Needham, &c, are to me spots of thankful remembrance. 



Croydon, 20th of 2nd Mo., 1866. 
My dear friend R. W., 

Thou hast been so much in my thoughts and affection- 
ate remembrance since thy little visit to us, and which I 
did regret was so short ; feeling my heart so filled with 
love, and I trust I may say living desires for thy best 
welfare, and safe steppings every way ; and that, that 
eye which hath been opened in thee, giving thee to see 
those precious things which make for peace, and accom- 
pany life and salvation, may ever be kept single to the 
glory of thy Heavenly Father, to the praise of thy dear 



81 

Redeemer, — that so nothing may be suffered to obstruct 
thy progress, (as I think I somewhat spoke of in my 
former letter,) in that way cast up for thee to walk in, as 
a humble follower of the meek and lowly Jesus ; who in 
that beautiful and best of sermons on the mount, said, 
" If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of 
light, &c." then that thine eye may be kept siugle 
unto Him, — thy heart fixed and stayed on Him : " Thou 
wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed 
on thee ; because he trusteth in thee." Has not this 
precious portion been often realized in thy experience ? 
And in proportion as thou art strengthened to keep the 
watch in the light, so wilt thou be favoured to feel and 
know, that in the Lord's presence there is fulness of 
joy,— yea, what it is to be covered with the feathers df 
His love, in putting thy trust under the shadow of His 
wings. this keeping the watch in the Light, how 
important for each one of us individually ! Herein is 
saving preservation ; wherein we are given to see the 
various temptations and snares of the unwearied Enemy 
of our souls' peace, and receive strength to resist them ; 
yea, to overcome him in all his assaults. And may we 
not believe that he is especially busy in assailing those 
who are really quickened and made alive in the Truth ? 
And it matters not to him in what way he gains his end, 
if he can but draw us off the watch, and in any way 
obstruct that precious work of grace in the heart. We 
read in the book of Proverbs, " Surely in vain the net 
is spread in the sight of any bird." 

But why do I thus write dear R. ? Not as though I 
thought, or apprehended thou wast other than on the 
watch tower ; but knowing something of the conflicting 
state of things in our religious Society, and in spirit 
saluting thee as one of the preciously visited children of 



82 

our Heavenly Father, — and having had some opportunity 
of marking thy watchful deportment, I seemed afresh 
engaged in desire for thy preservation both on the right 
hand, and on the left. It is profitable for us, that we 
" study to be quiet and to do our own business," — that 
we sit alone and keep silence, — that the eye of the mind 
be kept inward, not outward. It is not for us to say 
" Lord, and what shall this man do ? " but our safety 
is in obeying the words spoken by our blessed Lord in 
reply to one who so queried of him, " If I will that he 
tarry till I come, what is that to thee ? Follow thou me." 
My wife unites with me in love, in which I remain thy 
very affectionate and interested friend, 

John F. Maesh. 



Probably, 1860. 
My beloved friend R. E., 

It is indeed long since evincing in this way the con- 
tinuance of my love and affectionate remembrance of thee 
my endeared friend and brother, and I may add, com- 
panion in the tribulated way, — for such has been in no 
small measure our individual experience. The cup of 
suffering may have been as regards some things very 
different, and had it not been that the supporting arm 
was felt to be underneath when the floods were permitted 
to lift up their voice and their waves, our poor souls might 
have been overwhelmed with inward grief and sorrow ; 
but the Lord our helper, mightier than the noise of 
many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea, 
hath from time to time worked deliverance for us in an 
unexpected and unlooked for manner — so as that the 
precious truth has been realized, " The Lord is good, a 
stronghold." 



.83 

Sympathy, what a precious gift ! and when rightly 
felt, is indeed comforting and soothing ; yet after all, 
however tenderly possessed and felt to flow one towards 
the other, that portion in the Proverbs is realized in 
experience, " The heart knoweth his own bitterness ; and 
a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy." Yes and 
how precious to know that our Heavenly Father is con- 
tinually watching over us for good, and strengthens to 
endure the various dealings of His good and tender hand 
upon us — for " Like as, &c." — (See the 13th and 14th 
verses, Psalm 103.) 



8th of 12th Mo., 1871. 
To the same. 

It seems somewhat difficult to express with the pen 
the comfort and satisfaction the perusal of thine has 
afforded me ; for often have my thoughts been turned 
towards thee, my beloved friend and brother, with desire 
to know how it was faring with thee, and how far thou 
wert strengthened in maintaining thy steadfastness in 
the Truth, in this day of falling away in many ways 
among us as a people ; so that my heart, yea, I may 
say our hearts were made thankful, and to rejoice in the 
consoling belief that through the goodness and mercy of 
our Heavenly Father, thou hast been kept from being 
carried away with the stream of innovation, as well as 
what may perhaps be considered, creacurely zeal and 
activity of the present day. 



To a younger Friend. 

The Christian's life is a continual warfare, — experi- 
ence teaches this. Continual then must be the watch 



84 

maintained, that so we do not in any degree fall away 
backward, or give any portion of our strength to that 
which is not of the Truth, as we through mercy have 
received, loved and embraced it ; — that we do not 
stumble at the cross, nor shrink back from our allotted 
portion of trial and of suffering ; — that we do not cast 
away our confidence in low seasons, nor in seasons of 
spiritual desertion — nor the shield of faith ; but rather 
let us seek to put on strength in the name of Him 
who doeth valiantly for his little dependent ones, giving 
them experimentally to testify that the right hand of 
the Lord is exalted — the right hand of the Lord doeth 
valiantly — Ah ! dear H., may the end with us be per- 
mitted to crown all ! remembering what is written for 
our instruction and quickening in the way and work of 
the soul's salvation, " But he that endureth to the end 
shall be saved." 



To the same. 
My beloved young Friend, 

It is, I believe well for us frequently to recur to past 
steppings — to have in remembrance the way by which 
we have come — the way by which we have been brought 
by that good Hand, which leads about and instructs, as 
there is a yielding to its secret guidance in the way of 
righteousness and holiness — in the way of the cross and 
path of self-denial. — To meditate on that Arm of saving 
power and strength, which has wrought marvellously 
for us, and been felt to be underneath for our support 
in the time of need, and made bare for our deliverance 
in moments of extremity. That so the mind be kept 
susceptible of the tender dealings of our Heavenly 



85 

Father towards us, and we thereby, under the constrain- 
ing of his love and power, feel our hearts engaged in 
the breathing desire to know what we shall render unto 
Him for all his benefits towards us. 

Thy appearances [in the ministry] till latterly have 
not seemed very frequent, — which bespeaks thy caution 
and care in endeavouring to mind the stepping stones. 
May this watchful care be always maintained, — then I 
believe preservation will be experienced from going 
before thy good Guide, as also from withholding more than 
is meet, which tendeth to poverty. Keep to the life and 
to the power, and heavenly anointing — and move only 
in and under it. 



To an acknowledged Minister. 

The present is a day when many appear so outward, 
and looking, it is to be feared, too much to the poor 
ministers, that it requires great watchfulness on the part 
of these. I would say the double watch that they keep 
so near the pure leadings and guidings of Truth, that 
they be not tempted to feed the people with words, out 
of the life and power thereof, — for we do know that 
except the Lord build the house — except he keep the 
city— 'tis in vain. 



To J. and H. May, about to emigrate. 

I think a pious author somewhere says, " There is 
that to be met with by the honest enquirer and sincere 
seeker after the mind of Truth, that will direct even to 
a hair's breadth." Verily, my dear cousins, do I believe 
in this. May we ever keep near to this inward principle 



86 

of light and life,— and then I believe we shall experience 
right guidance in things temporal as well as in things 
spiritual, even to a hair's breadth. 



To a young Friend. 

Ah ! dear Joseph, it is the little, the lowly, and 
hidden ones, as it were, that seem to me to want to be 
encouraged to hold on their way in faith and in faith- 
fulness. And may we not believe, that if there be a 
revival amongst us as a people in the spiritual life, it 
must be thro' the faithfulness of such as these, and of 
such as may yet be brought (by yielding their hearts to 
the power of the Lord's Spirit which visits them) to 
unite in membership with our beloved Society ? And 
more than a few of the poor of this world, rich in faith. 
And what saith the apostle James? " Hearken my 
beloved brethren," down to " them that love him ;" — and 
again the apostle Paul to the Corinthians, " For ye see 
your calling brethren," down to " that no flesh should 
glory in his presence. " 



To a Friend in Ireland. 

Croydon, 29th of 1st Mo., 1873. 

I could have liked earlier to have acknowledged thy 
kind few lines dated the 5th inst., informing us of 
the decease of our long known and much beloved and 
valued friend, Richard Allen, of Waterford. 

Precious one ! his race is run, and we may believe 
his work was done ; so that at the close of a well- spent 
and dedicated life to the precious cause of Truth, he 
was of the number of those servants whom the Lord 



87 

when lie cometh to call home to their everlasting rest 
and happiness, are found watching and waiting, having 
their loins girt about with truth, and their lights burning. 
How appropriate that portion in the book of Job as 
realized in his experience, " Thou shalt come to thy 
grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in 
in his season. " And now, how sweet the thought, 

" Arrayed in robes of purest white, 

The crown immortal wears — 
And numbered with the saints in light, 

The palm of victory bears." 

Thus, as thou says, " another faithful and upright 
pillar has gone from us, in this day of shaking, scatter- 
ing, and sifting," — yes, dear friend, this is a day of 
shaking, scattering, and sifting— a day in which I think 
it may be said, that the leaders of the people have caused 
and do cause them to err ; but I need not dwell on what 
have been and are still the sorrowful feelings of my 
heart — on account of the low state of things as respects 
the fallen away and downward cou'rse of our once so 
highly favoured society ; and great is the need for those 
who are given to see and feel things as they really are, 
to seek after patient endurance under suffering ; 
yea, in patience to possess their souls, remembering 
for their encouragement that the foundation of God 
standeth sure, having this seal, " The Lord knoweth 
them that are his " — and they that are His, know in 
whom they have believed, and in whom they trust ; 
and under the shadow of His wings they are safe, yea, 
covered with the feathers of the Saviour's love, they are 
safe. How sweet is that portion — " He shall cover 
thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou 
trust, — his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." 



88 

My thoughts are often turned towards heloved ones in 
your land, and have also in sweet remembrance some of 
those valued ones whose places here on earth now know 
them no more; hut whose purified spirits, we may 
reverently believe, thro' redeeming love and merey, are 
now inhabitants of that city whose walls are salvation, 
and whose gates are praise ; and where sighing, pain, 
and sorrow is known no more. 

My love and sympathy to each of E. A's nieces. 
Please give my love also to our dear friends S. & J. N., 
L. P., P. C, and the W. family, all of whose love and 
sympathy I feelingly shared when in Cork. My love 
also to others who may remember me, accepting the 
same for thyself and family, &c. 



To a Friend. 

In the feeling of much love and affection, I take pen 
to acknowledge thy very welcome letter dated 4th ult., 
viz. 3rd mo. 4th, a memorable day with me, it being the 
eighty-fourth anniversary of my birth, which event I 
apprehend thou wast not aware of when taking the pen 
to address me. To be held in remembrance by those we 
especially love in the Truth, either on such or any other 
day, is cheering and comforting ; — and oh ! how precious 
is that love which these feel to flow in their hearts one 
towards the other, whether permitted more or less 
frequently to mingle together in person, yet often are 
they brought near in spirit, and in the feeling of heavenly 
fellowship, desiring each other's growth and advancement 
in spiritual things — yea, a deepening in the root of life. 
I do desire the strengthening and encouraging of such, 



89 

that they may hold on their way in faith and in faithful- 
ness, maintaining the daily watch unto prayer, that so 
there be no giving away of strength to things which may 
lead astray from the pure leadings of Truth as believed 
in and professed by the true Friend. 

But alas ! it is to be feared, what if I say, too obvious, 
that very many have, as it were, set themselves to work, 
by putting their hands to things, which, if there had 
been a dwelling under the humbling, baptizing power of 
Truth, they would possibly be given to see, feel and act 
differently ; — yea, led in paths and ways not of their own 
choosing. Far be it from me to write judgingly, — but 
there may be some in this day of outward activity, who 
for want of feeling more after, and patiently waiting for 
divine guidance, are tempted to choose their own ways 
and sacrifices. How important then for each and all to 
have daily reference to the injunction of our blessed 
Lord and Saviour, to watch and pray, that ye enter not 
into temptation. 



LETTERS HOME WHILE TRAVELLING 
WITH CERTIFICATE. 



Ipswich, 20th of 3rd Mo., 1826. 
My dear Hannah, 

I am pleased to inform thee, am getting on comfort- 
ahly, and am much helped from day to day, and from 
sitting to sitting, — yes, humiliating as the work is, yet 
how easy is the way made, — and how, when nature 
would shrink from entering the house's and families of 
some, are the mountains of opposition, and the hills 
of difficulty, removed as out of the way, — and what 
humbling, tendering seasons have some been ; that a 
hope rests with me, amidst many discouraging feelings, 
that I am not altogether out of my place. As regards 
things here, the life is very low, much of the dryness 
and barrenness to be felt. Now my dear Hannah, let 
me say how pleased and comforted I have been with the 
accounts thou hast sent me of thyself and thy movements ; 
mayst thou be encouraged and strengthened to hold on 
thy way, — cast not away thy confidence in low seasons, 
nor thy shield as tho' it had never been anointed, but 
cast all thy care and confidence in him who careth 
for us, and who continues to watch over his humble, 
dependent children for good. Ah ! then, wait low, — 



91 

wait in the light, — watch in the light, — move in the 
light, — then I believe thou cannot fail to do right, and 
will thereby come to experience preservation. 



While visiting all the families of Friends in Bir- 
mingham. 

12th of 10th Mo., 1838. 
My beloved Hannah, 

Thou wouldst perceive a little by my last how low and 
discouraged my poor mind was and had been, and how 
ready to quit the field of labour ; and truly the prospect 
of going from house to house among Friends here, did 
appear too great a matter for me to undertake, feeling 
indeed my great weakness and unfitness for so important 
and weighty an engagement, and on coming here I 
seemed to look for a release, — yet being favoured on the 
evening of my arrival and the next morning with such a 
sweet feeling of peaceful quiet, and may I not say 
resignation of mind to what might seem best, so far as 
I might be favoured to know ; that it seemed with me in 
this feeling to make the attempt of beginning in the sim- 
plicity and in the little grain of faith, and to go on just 
one day at a time, not looking too forward ; and should 
the way seem to close, I hope timely to stop — so 
whether it may be extended throughout, or only a visit 
in part, I hope to be preserved, and that in the end I 
may be favoured to feel peace. It is indeed no light 
thing for any one to move along in this line, and in the 
present critical juncture especially, in such a place as 
Birmingham and elsewhere ; yet we do know that as the 
eye is kept single and the heart simple, preservation 
may be experienced to a hair's breadth, and that the 



92 

hands of the little ones may be made strong, and to 
become skilful in battle, and their fingers to fight avail- 
ingly, and also to know, through the power of divine 
grace, their minds to be clothed with the spirit of 
meekness and gentleness : so that there is no need for 
the right-minded and sincere-hearted to be overmuch 
cast down and dismayed in these perilous times. These 
do know the foundation to stand sure, having this seal, 
the Lord knoweth them that are his, and they that are 
his know in whom they believe ; and as they continue to 
believe in him, and to trust in him with their whole 
heart, and not to lean to their own understandings, he 
will never leave them nor forsake them, but will from 
time to time give them to feel that he does own them, 
and love them, and careth for them, and covereth their 
heads in the day of battle ; yea, keepeth them as the 
apple of the eye, and preserveth them as in the hollow 
of his hand. 

I send this short scrap in order that thy mind may 
be at rest as to my present engagement, and that my 
friends also in the distance may know what I am about, 
and with thyself, &c., think of me for good, and in desire 
for my preservation. I hope to write again soon. I am 
more comfortably settled in and cared for every way by 
dear Thomas and Sarah Southall than I can now in this 
letter tell thee. 



27th of 10th Mo., 1838. 

I\Iy health is remarkably well, and the kindness of 

Friends to help me forward I think increases, though a 

poorer one I think they could not well have amongst 

them. 

Thy truly loving and very affectionate husband, 

J. F. Maksh. 



[While travelling with certificate in the North.] 

Brighouse, 13th of 10th Mo., 1841. 
My beloved Hannah, 

Thou need not fear my making too great haste ; 
hitherto I hope sufficient time has been allowed, much 
of which between meetings has been occupied in making 
calls on friends who may be particularly invalids, and 
such as are prevented from now getting to Meeting ; or 
any I may incline to see as interesting characters, — but 
alas, as yet I seem to have met with but little that 
tends to cheer. As regards the spiritual life, things are 
indeed low in these parts, more so than I think I should 
have expected to have found them ; so that I am at 
times somewhat depressed under the sense and feeling 
of it, both in and out of meetings, and am myself moving 
along in much poverty and weakness. 



Gainsborough, 2nd of 11th Mo., 1841. 
Most of the Meetings I have been at latterly are 
very small, and things do not appear to brighten as I 
proceed. As to the life, it seems in some places almost 
extinct, and think I may say that it is low everywhere. 
Oh ! our poor Society, how poor, how low, how peeled 
and stripped ; but may we not, and must we not yet hope 
that this people will yet arise and shake themselves as 
from the dust of the earth, and again put on, and be 
clothed with the beautiful garments of salvation and 
praise ? let us have faith to believe it will yet be so ; 
how important then to be individually faithful ! 



94 

Maris, near Doncaster, 17th of 11th Mo., 1841. 
The Meetings on First day at Hull were, I trust, 
solemn seasons, the sweet covering of solemn quiet 
which seemed to prevail throughout, both while I was 
engaged in testimony, as well as during the time of 
silence, is precious in remembrance. 



Orrell Hall, near Wigan, 29th of 11th Mo., 1841. 
I felt it somewhat formidable travelling in the close 
carnages, though the owners of them seemed preserved 
in the humility, and from an appearance of greatness 
and state. I find the state of things very low in Lan- 
cashire, and where can we say they are not so ? But 
it will not do to give up, but we must endure the conflict 
and maintain the warfare. 



Manchester, 17th of 12th Mo., 1841. 
R. I. then drove me back to the Garstang Station, in 
readiness to go forward to Lancaster ; and whilst waiting 
for the train coming up, which was some time first, in a 
small place, and standing by a little stove, and the few 
who were present being rather quiet, I ventured to 
express a little in their hearing. 



Derby, 31st of 12th Mo., 1841. 

I hope these few lines may not be a disappointment 

to thee, but if the cause of my detention be right, it will 

be rather cause of thankfulness for my preservation. 



95 

I may now tell thee, that after a season of deep conflict, 
I have yielded to an impression of duty, that it will be 
safest for me to return to Monyash, and hold a public 
meeting ; this prospect has cost me not a little. Cousin 
R.L. has kindly endeavoured to make the way easy for me, 
and intends driving me there tomorrow, about 25 miles, 
and for us to return in the same way on 2nd day, and 
on 3rd day morning I hope to be able to turn my face 
homeward in peace, and to meet thee about tea time 
with a bright countenance. 



Woodbridge, 28th of 3rd Mo., 1843. 
My beloved Hannah, 

* * * * At Ipswich, on 1st day morning, I bent 
the knee early in the meeting ; after which J. Price 
stood up. I then had my opportunity of getting, I trust, 
pretty clear of friends here, being enabled, I trust, to 
speak to some states. I was on my feet some time. J. 
P. then knelt down ; and after, in a few words, I bade 
friends affectionately farewell. Many, I believe, were 
tendered and brought down in this meeting. One friend 
remarked to me it had been a word in season to him, — 
another, that I had preached to him, — and another, on 
taking leave of me at a friend's house, could scarcely do 
so, his heart seemed so full, and the tears ready to start, 
so that I trust it was a good meeting on the whole, and 
that the good Master was pleased to be near to help with 
a little help. We had dinner at R. D. A's, who also 
remarked on the favoured time. At about a quarter 
before two we left Ipswich for Woodbridge, having con- 
cluded to be at their afternoon meeting, which we did 



96 

attend, — and perhaps it was well our passing away so 
quickly, after so favoured a time, without again getting 
into conversation with friends. We are so kindly 
received, I think I may say everywhere ; the hearts 
of friends and their houses being opened to receive us. 
Friends here seem to have set their minds on a family 
visit, at least some of them, — but that does not appear 
to be the thing required. 

"W. F. also seemed a little to think whether I might 
not have such a service at Norwich, — a service, I trust 
I should not shrink from, did I apprehend myself called 
upon to engage in. It is very comforting to have the 
company of Wm. M. — his example is instructing; and 
if preserved, as I trust he may and will be, in the fear 
and humility, is likely to be a favoured instrument. 
what cause of thankfulness that the good Hand con- 
tinues thus to be turned on one here and on another 
there, in this our low day. Surely we may take courage, 
and believe it will continue to be so from generation to 
generation yet unborn, — for I believe there must be 
such a people, and if faithfulness is but abode in, there 
are many hidden ones up and down, who I believe will 
yet have to appear as the wings of a dove covered with 
silver, and her feathers as with vellow sold. 



Allendale, 24th of 3rd Mo. 1849. 

We took tea in a large company at , rather 

formidable to me such large companies, especially to 
one who often seems among them as it were in the 
foolishness. I am thankful in being able to say I have 
now completed my visit to the meetings of Durham 
Q. M., and have to acknowledge, I trust with reverent 



97 

thankfulness, the help and strength thus far graciously 
afforded, and preservation mercifully extended in the 
midst of much poverty and weakness. 



30th of 4th Mo., 1849. 
Last evening the Public Meeting at Pardshaw Hall 
was largely attended, — the Meeting-house large. I 
expect about 400 were present, and one of the most 
quiet Public Meetings I ever attended ; — the silent part of 
it too, I am inclined to think, was the most instructive. 
Many of the people came, I expect, for miles round, 
that it was indeed an interesting sight. 



LETTERS WHILE TRAVELLING IN IRELAND. 



Waterford, 21st of 8th Mo., 1837. 
Where we go to take dinner or tea, there are mostly 
some friends invited to meet ns, and very frequently we 
find ourselves encircled in large companies, which at 
times proves somewhat humiliating to my feelings, yet I 
trust we are helped safely through them, whether by 
sometimes giving way to the uttering of a few broken 
sentences, or remaining silent. I seem to feel it my 
place to labour more in a private way and individually, 
on which occasions best help is often in a remarkable 
manner extended, and, may I not say, to my own hum- 
bling admiration, and, perhaps I may add, without 
boasting, to the tendering of many. In Meetings I 
seem mostly to speak to some one or more states, but in 
most places the state of things is so low, that it seems 
as if the life could not rise with power, and be in 
dominion — that if we be rightly here, we must be willing 
to suffer with the suffering seed. 

J. F. M. 



Rathangan, 25th of 7th Mo., 1837. 
My beloved Friend 

John F. Marsh. 
The remembrance of thy little visit to us is precious ; 
it has left a sweet savour behind, and though thy 



99 

public labour was trying and exercising, yet I believe it 
must be the feeling of all the living members, and it 
was an encouraging evidence that thou wast in thy right 
place amongst us, — and I thought 1 would just send thee 
the language that was with me before we parted, and 
often arose since — that of Boaz to his reapers, "May 
the Lord be with thee," and I doubt not but he is with 
thee. Farewell, and remember thy poor little sister in 
the Truth. 

S. K. 



Waterford, 21st of 8th Mo., 1837. 
Dear Friend 

John F. Marsh. 
I wish to tell thee that yesterday morning my mind 
was much occupied in looking towards thy sitting 
amongst us, and I felt comforted with these words, 
" Thou knowest the good Hand to lean upon." And I 
fully believe that thy silent sitting was the most in- 
structive ministration for us, and did loudly call us 
to look unto our own standing. Oh ! this is what we 
each of us want to be brought unto. 

Some few remarked to me yesterday that they con- 
sidered it a favour to have had a silent meeting. Oh ! 
mayest thou continually lean upon that good supporting 
Hand, saith 

Thy affectionate friend, 

A. B. 



Kilnock, 21st of 8th Mo., 1856. 

Ah ! things are low indeed in most places, and 

where there seems a little good at work in the hearts of 



100 

one here and another there, there are so few compara- 
tively prepared to strengthen and enconrage. 



Waterford, 5th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
Preservation, I trust, is mercifully granted from doing 
harm to the precious cause. 



Wexford Co., 9th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
I am favoured to be very nicely in health, and in 
other respects I trust I am at times much helped and 
favoured. Things seem low in most places, but that 
one seems prepared to find, go where we may ; but we 
must endeavour to hope on, do our best, and leave 
the rest. 



Kilnock, 15th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
I hope mine posted on 7th day, and finished at Bally- 
tore, thou received yesterday. The meeting there on First- 
day was a remarkably favoured time ; the silence at the 
close and throughout, was so precious that one hardly 
knew how to break it up. I was, I trust, much helped in 
testimony. The one at Enniscorthy, also somewhat 
memorable : indeed I might mention others, as well as 
many precious opportunities at other times, and es- 
pecially some more privately and individually, but I 
must forbear entering into particulars. 



101 

Kilnock, 18th of 8th Mo., 1865. 

I am remarkably favoured with health, and in other 

respects am mercifully helped from day to day. Things 

are low as regards the spiritual life, I think I may say 

every where. 



Mount Mellick, 28th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
Jonathan Goodbody has left me this morning, and I 
expect he may meet me again on 4th day, perhaps for 
two days, or so. So thou may see I am supplied with 
helpers according to my need ; favoured also I trust in 
realizing the gracious assurance, that, " as thy day, so 
shall thy strength be." If spared to return to my happy 
and comfortable home, I shall have much to say, that 
will be interesting to thee. So far I have moved on from 
place to place, I hope without hurrying, and much kind- 
ness and openness is evinced towards me, which is indeed 
cause for gratitude and thankfulness to our Heavenly 
Father. 

J. F. Maksh. 



Newtown, 7th of 8th Mo., 1865. 
My dear Friend 

Hannah Marsh. 
Thy beloved husband leaves us in good health, and I 
trust with a peaceful mind, so far having I believe, been 
faithful while amongst us, in handing forth from time to 



102 

time, that which was entrusted to him by his Divine 
Master, under whose anointing he is moving along in 
meekness and circumspection. 

Thy very affectionate Mend, 

Eichaed Allen. 



LETTEES TO HIS FRIEND RICHARD ALLEN, 
OF NEWTOWN, WATERFORD. 



Croydon, 2nd of 11th Mo., 1847. 
It is comforting to find that thou hast been able to 
accomplish so peacefully thy visit to the Meetings, &c, 
in your nation, and that thou art now about to discharge a 
debt of love to those of thy own particular meeting and 
neighbourhood. In thus breaking bread from house to 
house, may strength be given to communicate faithfully 
to the different states, that counsel designed for the 
awakening, warning, and encouraging of the flock. Ah ! 
it is humbling work, and not for us to choose our own 
sacrifices and services, but in simplicity and faith to 
follow the gentle leadings and guidings of the Good 
Shepherd ; doing that which we believe he bids us to do, 
leaving the effect or result to Him, who (though one 
may plant and another water,) giveth the increase. 



2nd Mo., 1859. 

A few words fitly spoken are permitted to have a 

secret influence and working on the mind, tending to 

the awakening, encouraging, warning, &c, as the need 

may be, and the effect produced thereby wisely hid from 



104 

the instrument ; and even where it may sometimes be 
like water spilt upon a stone, may yet be recalled to 
memory long after, as a message ; — though at the time 
not regarded, now through the mercy of the Lord to be 
embraced ; perhaps arising with freshness and power in 
a time of trial and distress, — in the hour of temptation, 
— in a season of adversity, — or on a bed of sickness. 



29th of 11th Mo., 1864. 

We must believe that the great Head of the Church 
will keep and preserve unto Himself a living people — a 
living remnant — und that in his own way and time He 
does, and will fit, prepare and qualify here one, and 
there one, more conspicuously and openly than some 
others, (who nevertheless according to their measure 
and growth do see and feel the like,) to lift up their 
voice like a trumpet, and show unto the people their 
transgression, and their sins ; yea, raised up and 
strengthened to bear a faithful and noble testimony to 
the simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus. 

These, so long as they are preserved in a state of 
daily watchfulness, even unto prayer, being clothed with 
humility, and with the sweetness and meekness of the 
Spirit of Christ, have nothing to fear as to the outward. 



12th of 5th Mo., 1866. 

I scarcely need say my thoughts have turned towards 
your Yearly Meeting, which expect is now about over. 

At present have heard no particulars, yet I seem 
prepared to think it has been as thou expresses it, " a 



105 

time of no small exercise to the living members of the 
Church both present and absent." Ah ! and how can 
it be otherwise, from the very altered state of things in 
our Society ? 

Ours now is drawing very nigh, but Oh ! how dif- 
ferent is the feeling in many respects, in looking to 
attending it, to what it was in days and years gone by ! 
But I may forbear dwelling further on the sorrowful, 
It is good and profitable for us that we study to be 
quiet, and to do our own business, yea that we mind and 
do our Master's business ; — and again, how precious 
is the assurance, that " In quietness and in confidence 
shall be your strength." 



1867. 
Thy letter was truly acceptable, and comforting and 
refreshing to my spirit, evincing thy greenness in ad- 
vanced years, still bringing "forth fruit in old age." 
Yes, and all by the grace of God ; and Oh ! how great 
the blessedness of those on whom this precious grace 
has not been bestowed in vain ; and this not of themselves, 
or of ourselves, truly, " We are nothing, Christ is all." 

" No strength of our own 

Or goodness we claim, 
Yet since we have known 

The Saviour's great name, 
In this our strong tower 

For safety we hide, — 
The Lord is our power, 

The Lord will provide." 



106 

If we are anything acceptable in the Divine sight, it 
is all of and by grace. It is of the Lord's mercy if we 
are preserved alive in the truth from day to day and 
from hour to hour, experience teaching us that our 
safety is in being continually on the watch, — watching 
unto prayer. 

Our once highly favoured Society I suppose was once 
rightly said to be our religious Society, but perhaps 
now it would seem more in accordance with the real 
state of things to say, the moral and social Society of 
Friends. But I need not dwell on the various causes 
of defection, neither will it do to suffer the poor mind to 
be over much cast down, but rather seek to have our 
souls possessed in patience, waiting daily to know the 
mind and will of our Heavenly Father concerning us 
individually ; — doing in simplicity and faith the little or 
more our feeble hands may find to do. He knoweth 
the sincerity of the heart, and how dear and precious is 
the cause of Truth to those who truly love and fear 
Him, and these must be passive in His hand, who in 
His own way and time can alone work for our deliverance. 

Oh ! to be clothed with the meekness and gentleness 
of Christ's Spirit ! how rich, how full the blessing ! 
yea, to be clothed with humility, — to be of the poor in 
spirit, — to be clothed with the spirit of watchfulness 
unto prayer. 

And Oh ! what a favour, what a mercy, notwith- 
standing the icicle opening of the flood gates, that a 
living remnant have been preserved from being carried 
away with the stream of innovation. I have said the 
few, yet I hope and trust there are more than a few up 
and down, hidden characters, bowed in spirit, and 
secretly mourning over the desolations that abound. 
May all such, with ourselves, be preserved in true 



107 

patience, trusting in that powerful Arm that alone can 
work deliverance for His poor and afflicted people, — 
and who while feeling their poverty and need, are given 
to know that the Lord thinketh upon them. 



Croydon, 12 of 3rd Mo., 1868. 
My beloved friend 

Kichard Allen. 

Day after day, and week after week, have again been 
suffered to pass away without acknowledging thy last 
acceptable and precious letter dated the first day of this 
year ; but truly beloved friend and brother thou art often 
in my affectionate remembrance, and especially have I 
latterly longed for ability in this way to evince the same, — 
I cannot plead want of time as an excuse, though that in 
different ways is pretty closely occupied ; and frequently 
some writing devolves upon one that cannot suitably 
be put aside, but one's poor mind is so continually 
bowed down under a sense of the withering state of 
things, as regards the spiritual life in our once highly 
favoured, but now degenerate Society, that the feeling 
of discouragement as respects any bright hope of better 
times in the future for this people seems almost over- 
whelming ; for we cannot shut our eyes as to what is 
from time to time passing around us, and to the fearful 
innovations and laying waste that has taken place. It 
seems to me, if I may so express it, as if one plank 
after another was giving way ; and if it really be so, 
surely the end must be a making shipwreck of faith 
and practice. 

But precious thought, there is the good Pilot at the 
Helm, " The Lord on high mightier than the noise of 



108 

many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." — 
and blessed and praised be His holy name, His ever 
watchful eye is upon His little, lowly, trembling ones 
who love and fear Him, and who through His mercy 
have been preserved from giving away their strength to 
the many weaknesses of the present day ; these can in- 
deed lay hold of the precious assurance, " I will never 
leave thee, nor forsake thee," — and again, " Lo I am 
with you alway, even unto the end of the world." . . 
Well, my beloved friend, we do know that the same 
Divine Power which first gathered us to be a people, is 
the same yesterday, to day, and for ever, and that He 
can in His own way and time yet raise up such a People 
as we were at the beginning, who shall be prepared 
livingly to show forth His praise, whose delight is to 
bring the children of men out of darkness into His mar- 
vellous Light, — yea to bear a faithful and noble testimony 
to the simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus. I may 
now express the hope that these lines may meet thee in 
as comfortable a state of health as when thou last wrote, 
and that thou hast been preserved from any serious cold 
during the past winter months ; also that thou hast been 
able to enjoy the privilege of thy regular attendance of 
meetings, which at thy and our advanced age is indeed 
a great blessing and privilege. I am thankful to say we 
are favoured to be nicely in health, and I trust rightly 
feel the great occasion we have to feel grateful and 
thankful to our Heavenly Father for the bodily ability 
afforded, as also the preservation of our mental powers, 
— His mercies are indeed new every morning, and great 
is His faithfulness. On the fourth instant I attained my 
79th year, and when looking back to the days of my 
early childhood and youth, I trust that through mercy I 
may now say, He that was my morning light is now 



109 

become my evening song, — yes, beloved friend, it is the 
same light that shone in my heart when a little child, 
and enlightened my path in early life, that shines there 
now, — it changes not. The same grace then visiting, 
and shed abroad in the heart, is the same, it changes 
not. And how precious the belief, that thou, be- 
loved friend and brother, canst bear the same testimony, 
as thine being the like experience ; so then we may say, 
individually and unitedly, that goodness and mercy have 
followed us all the days of our life, and if through the 
help of the holy Spirit we be strengthened to hold on 
our way in faith, and in faithfulness to the end of our 
day, we may humbly hope, and reverently trust that 
through redeeming love and mercy we shall dwell in 
the house of the Lord for ever. 



W. Irwin, Printer, 35, Fennell Street, Manchester. 



